New York  - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Wednesday a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza Strip.

Ban said he hopes that the pact, which was to enter into force Thursday, would "provide security and an easing of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and end rocket and mortar attacks against Israeli targets."

He called for opening of crossing points between the two sides to allow the resumption of humanitarian and commercial traffic to Gaza and urged the two parties to act with "care and responsibility" in ensuring that the ceasefire will last. (dpa)