NEW : Hard to say how long any cease - fire will last , Israeli defense minister says . `` When it starts , if it starts , it 's hard to say how long it will last . Israel has not confirmed cease - fire date . Israel will begin to open Gaza border crossings soon , Hamas says . Hamas took control of Gaza a year ago .
NEW : Hard to say how long any cease - fire will last , Israeli defense minister says . Israel has not confirmed cease - fire date . Israel will begin to open Gaza border crossings soon , Hamas says . Hamas took control of Gaza a year ago .