Fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza conflict, now into its second month, continued into Sunday night but halted at midnight, as both sides observed the first hours of another three-day cease-fire.

Also read: Israel Pulls Out of Gaza at the Onset of Another Cease-Fire

The BBC marked the start of the truce in a report posted after the temporary break began:

It is hoped the latest truce, which came into effect at 21:00 GMT, will help negotiators agree a longer peace.

Egypt brokered a similar truce last week, but fighting resumed after the three-day window ended.

About 2,000 people have died in the conflict, which began on 8 July when Israel launched an operation to deter militant attacks from Gaza.

Those killed include more than 1,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the UN. Sixty-seven people have died on the Israeli side, including three civilians.

The pause in fighting may also allow for additional humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, the BBC added.

–Posted by Kasia Anderson