Israel has announced it will hold a temporary ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday for "humanitarian reasons". The move responds to a request from the United Nations after about 10 days of air strikes and artillery attacks. Major General Yoav Mordechai, the Israeli Army's coordinator of government activities in the Palestinian territories told the BBC Arabic that a cessation of hostilities would be in force from 700 to 1200 GMT on Thursday to "allow people in Gaza to stock up with supplies". However, Mordechai confirmed that Israel is making preparations for wider military operation after the ceasefire. He added that the aim of the ceasefire is to give the Palestinian a chance to buy food and rebuild their infrastructure. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/106432.aspx