以色列哈马斯开始72小时新停火

Israel and Hamas have begun a new 72-hour cease-fire, giving the warring sides another chance to negotiate a lasting end to a month of fighting that has left 2,000 people dead.

Egypt mediated the truce that went into effect early Monday, and is hosting delegations from both sides for talks in Cairo

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the cease-fire, and expressed "strong hope" that Israel and Hamas could agree to halt the conflict for the sake of all civilians.

He also said the U.N. is ready to assist in implementing any agreement that brings peace and a chance for "much-needed reconstruction and development of Gaza."