Ban welcomes news of Israeli-Hamas pact

UNITED NATIONS, June 18 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday welcomed news that Israelis and Hamas reached a cease-fire in Gaza Strip.

"The secretary-general hopes that these efforts will both provide security and an easing of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and end rocket and mortar attacks against Israeli targets," his spokesperson said in a statement issued from New York.

Ban also congratulated Egypt for its role in brokering the agreement.

He said he hoped the cease-fire, which goes into effect Thursday, "will lead to a controlled and sustained opening of the Gaza crossings for humanitarian and commercial purposes."