Jerusalem, July 30 (IANS): The Israeli military announced Wednesday a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire, starting from 3 p.m. in "non-fighting" regions in the Gaza Strip.
The military coordinator of government activities in the territories said in a statement that the truce "will not apply to the areas in which Israeli soldiers are currently operating", Xinhua reported.
Israeli media said that these areas include Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip and the eastern neighbourhoods of Shejayia, eastern Khan Younes and eastern Rafah.
"Residents must not return to areas that have previously been asked to evacuate," the statement warned.
The 23-day Israeli offensive, codenamed Operation Protective Edge, has claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people in Gaza, and injured over 6,500, according to Palestinian health officials. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of the victims are civilians.
On the Israeli side, 53 soldiers and three civilians were killed, according to the military and police.