A new 72-hour ceasefire has been reached in Gaza.<br/> <br />Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas agreed to a humanitarian truce, which starts Friday at 8 a.m. local time.<br/> <br />A spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General made the announcement Thursday afternoon.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) STEPHANE DUJARRIC, SPOKESPERSON OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We urge all parties to act with restraint until this humanitarian ceasefire begins, and to fully abide by their commitments during the ceasefire. This ceasefire is critical to giving innocent civilians a much-needed reprieve from violence."<br/> <br />The spokesperson added that civilians in Gaza will be able to bury their dead, take care of the injured and restock food supplies.<br/> <br />Israeli and Palestinian delegations will now head to Cairo.<br/> <br />The Egyptian government will then hold negotiations to reach a durable ceasefire.<br/> <br />The Islamic Jihad spokesman in Gaza confirmed the truce.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Ara
