Al_Quds city, JERUSALEM, June 18, SPA -- Israel officially confirmed Wednesday that a cease-fire with the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip will begin this week in an effort to end a year of fightingthat has killed more than 400 Palestinians and sevenIsraelis. The cease-fire is slated to begin Thursday and would befollowed next week by an Israeli easing of its blockade ofGaza, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said. Talksto release an Israeli soldier held by Hamas will thenintensify, Regev was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. Egypt, which brokered the talks, announced a six-monthagreement on Tuesday, saying it would begin Thursday at 6a.m. (0300 GMT). Hamas confirmed the deal shortlyafterward. But there was no official confirmation fromIsrael until Wednesday.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/566311