CRI听力:Cease-fire Reached in Gaza Conflicts

The cease-fire was announced by the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the Gaza ceasefire announcement between Hamas and Israel. But Ban also cautions against losing sight of the greater goal of a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

"I warmly welcome today's ceasefire announcement. In these testing times where the entire region is experiencing profound transformations, we must not lose sight that peace must remain our ultimate and priority goal. A negotiated two-state solution ending a prolonged occupation and ending the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is more urgent than ever."

The agreement comes a day after intensive negotiations with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, and Palestinian officials.

Israel reportedly agreed to stop its military actions on air, land and sea, including targeted killings.

The Palestinians have reportedly agreed to stop launching missiles towards Israeli territory as well as attacks against soldiers across the border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,

"I know there are citizens expecting a more severe military action, and perhaps we shall need to do so, but at this time the right thing for the state of Israel is to use this opportunity to achieve a long-lasting ceasefire."

For their part, Hamas said that ceasefire agreements will lead to an end to Israeli blockade of Palestine.

Following the announcement of the truce, thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip took to the streets to celebrate.

"Thanks for the resistance and thanks for whoever participated in defending our land."

"We welcome this deal and we support all the efforts to make it and we hope that this calm will last and protect the Gaza Strip and bring peace to all of the region.''

"It is a good thing and the Palestinians have had success as they gave hit the Jews a good strike and after that they reached a truce."

During the eight days some 160 people have died, most of them Palestinians.

For CRI, I'm Su Yi.