CRI听力:Israel and Hamas Enters Another 3-day Ceasefire

A renewed 3-day ceasefire has come into effect between Israel and Hamas, starting at Midnight Monday.

The Egyptian-brokered ceasefire paves the way to resume talks on a long-term truce.

Azzam El Ahmed is the leader of Palestinian committee in Cairo.

"We have agreed on what has been announced, and guaranteed that it will be used for 72 hours in order to come to a complete agreement, which will lead to a permanent ceasefire and solving all of the problems."

A senior Israeli official says Israeli negotiators will return to Cairo to resume indirect talks if the truce holds.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Israel's military offensive is not over.

"The operation will continue until its objective - the restoration of quiet over a protracted period - is achieved. I said at the beginning and throughout the operation - it will take time, and stamina is required."

Since the last 72-hour truce ended last Friday, there has been regular exchange of fire on both sides.

Israel wants Hamas to dismantle its rockets and other weapons while Hamas is seeking an end to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza.

About 2,000 people have died since the conflict started on 8 July.

But the violence has become less intense than what it was in the beginning.