Israel warned about breaching cease-fire

GAZA, June 19 (UPI) -- Hamas' military wing cautioned Israel that violations of the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip would be met with a "painful" response.

The truce between Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza, went into effect at 6 a.m. local time Thursday. About 30 minutes before the pact became effective, an Israeli jet struck a Qassam militant cell in central Gaza, Ynetnews.com reported.

A few gunmen were seen in Gaza's streets Thursday, mainly at observation points, Ynetnews.com said. Other militants were observed leaving the posts and returning to their homes and bases.

The cease-fire will allow Palestinians to recover from cross-border fighting, Hamas said.

However, if Israel breaches the lull, Hamas would "deliver a strike so painful it will rock the Zionist entity."

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, went further, saying it "will not allow Israel to betray our people. We will strike them down if they do so."