DHAKA: A three-day truce has come into effect between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, after a day of intense diplomacy.

It is hoped the latest truce, which came into effect at 21:00 GMT, will help negotiators agree a longer peace.

Egypt brokered a similar truce last week, but fighting resumed after the three-day window ended, reports the BBC.

About 2,000 people have died in the conflict, which began on 8 July when Israel launched an operation to deter militant attacks from Gaza.

Those killed include more than 1,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the UN. Sixty-seven people have died on the Israeli side, including three civilians.

Israeli media were reporting warning sirens for rocket attacks right up to the new ceasefire deadline at midnight local time. Israeli air strikes also continued through Sunday evening.

However, an hour into the ceasefire there were no reports of attacks from either side.

After tense talks that both sides had threatened to abandon, the surprise announcement of the truce came late on Sunday.

“Israel has accepted Egypt’s proposal for a 72-hour ceasefire,” a senior Israeli official told the BBC.

The official added that Israel would send negotiators to Cairo on Monday if the truce holds.

BDST: 0916 HRS, AUG 11, 2014