Israelis and Palestinians enjoy first hours of truce

The Associated Press ,  Sderot, Israel   |  Thu, 06/19/2008 6:48 PM  |  World

Residents of the rocket-scarred Israeli town of Sderot are welcoming the first day of a truce between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers.

Inside Gaza, the lull in Israeli raids emboldened youngsters to cycle to border areas where militants and Israeli troops often trade fire.

Sixteen-year-old Osama Helas said, "It's peace today," as he rode along the Gaza side of the fence with friends. "This is the first time there's no sound of shelling or shooting."

In Sderot, less than a mile from Gaza, Motti Lishar was confident Thursday that the strictly Islamic Hamas would keep militants in line.

He said, "I believe there will be quiet for the next six months, because anyone who tries to fire will get his hand chopped off." (****)

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