WASHINGTON, July 31 (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday that it strongly supports the new three-day ceasefire agreed to by Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and urged "restraint" in the hours before the truce begins at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) on Friday.
"We urge all parties to act with restraint until this humanitarian ceasefire begins," the White House said in a statement.
The White House also said it hopes talks can begin "immediately" in Cairo for a longer-term truce.
"We believe the only sustainable way to address Israel's security concerns and enable Palestinians in Gaza to lead normal lives is through a permanent ceasefire agreement," the White House said. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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