Israel-Hamas truce takes effect

The main item of Israel-related coverage in the UK media today is the beginning of the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In other stories, the Daily Telegraph and BBC Online note a statement yesterday by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggesting Israeli willingness for talks with Lebanon on the issue of the Shebaa Farms. The paper also notes PA discontent that leaders of the Yesha Council were invited to a Queen's birthday celebration at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv. BBC Online has additional pieces on French complaints that a French diplomat was ‘detained' by Israeli forces outside Gaza, and press reports in Israel and the region regarding the ceasefire, which see it as a victory for Hamas.

In the Israeli media, all papers focus on the beginning of the truce between Israel and Hamas.  Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post report that a Hamas terrorist was killed by the IDF in the period immediately preceding the onset of the ceasefire, while trying to launch a Qassam rocket. The Jerusalem Post quotes an unnamed Israeli defence official who suggests that the final stage of the truce will include the deployment of a multi-national Arab force in Gaza. Haaretz notes that Amos Gilad, the Defence Ministry official who brokered the truce, still considers that a major Israeli operation into Gaza may be necessary in the future. The Jerusalem Post has an additional piece on a US Senate decision to toughen sanctions against Iran. Ynetnews quotes a French news agency report which suggests that new evidence has emerged supporting US and Israeli claims that Syria was building a nuclear reactor at the site bombed by Israel in September 2007. Ynetnews also quotes a statement by Amos Gilad that the Rafah Crossing will stay closed until Gilad Shalit is freed.  Maariv notes that an exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hezbollah could take place any day.

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