Berlin - The German Foreign Ministry welcomed Wednesday the
announcement of an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire between Israel and the
militant Hamas group aimed at ending months of violence in the Gaza
Strip.

The accord has the potential noticeably to improve security in
Israel as well as the economic situation of the people in Gaza,
spokesman Martin Jaeger said.

The truce is due to take effect at 6 am (0300 GMT) Thursday,
following which Israel is expected to ease crossing restrictions after
24 hours.

Israel imposed a blockade of the Gaza Strip in response to
near-daily rocket and mortar attacks on its southern towns and villages
and tightened it after Hamas seized sole control of Gaza in June 2007.

Jaeger said the German government hoped the truce is adhered to by
all Palestinian groups in Gaza and that missile attacks against Israeli
targets are halted.

"Germany welcomes every agreement that has the goal of stopping
bloodshed," said the spokesman, who also thanked Egypt for its efforts
in bringing about the ceasefire.

The terms of the truce also cover indirect negotiations on a
prisoners exchange that would include the release of an Israeli soldier
held captive by Hamas for the past two years. (dpa)