Video

Mourners attend the funeral of six gunmen killed by Israeli airstirkes in Gaza -- just hours before a ceasefire which may pave the way to a fragile peace. At 6 am local time on June 19th, an Egyptian-brokered will begin between Hamas and Israel. SOUNDBITE Israeli Prime Minister's Spokesman Mark Regev saying (English): "It is our sincere hope that from tomorrow our civilian population in the south will no longer be the victim of these continued barrages of rocket and mortar shells from terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we'll have a new period of peace and quiet." But Israel said it's sceptical that Hamas can enforce a total ceasefire, and would still prepare for large-scale military action in case the truce falls apart. Hamas's Gaza leader Ismael Haniyeh said they would be quick to respond. SOUNDBITE Hamas leader in, Gaza Ismael Haniyeh, saying (Arabic): "The enemy must not carry out any foolish acts. If they do then our people have the right to defend themselves." Under the truce, Israel have said they'll gradually loosen a year-long blockade on the territory. Gaza residents hope it will see an end to the fuel shortages and soaring prices that have been crippling the economy. SOUNDBITE Gaza resident, Shadi Shamiyeh saying (Arabic): "As a Palestinian resident whose been living under this siege for more than a year, I'm honestly very optimistic about the truce between Israel and Hamas, and I see a chance of calm being reached, depending on unity between the various Palestinian factions and the Zionist entity." Israel has said it will ease controls on some border crossing within ten days. Tessa Unsworth, Reuters.