GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The shelling has stopped in Gaza, at the start of a three-day cease fire that sets the stage for peace talks.

Israel today withdrew its ground forces from Gaza's border areas, and both sides halted cross-border attacks as the truce took effect.

In Gaza City, where streets had been deserted during the war, traffic picked up and shops began opening their doors.

Nearly a month of fighting has killed 1,900 Palestinians, 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians in Israel.

Egyptian mediators are planning to begin shuttle negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian delegations in Cairo to try to work out new arrangements for Gaza.

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