Jerusalem - The Israeli military announced that it will hold fire for seven hours today in parts of the Gaza Strip to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.

The humanitarian truce, beginning at 10am (0700 GMT), however, will not apply in areas of the southern Gaza town of Rafah, a Defence Ministry official said in a statement.

The statement also said Israeli military would respond to any attacks during that time.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, on Sunday, strongly condemned the killing of at least 10 Palestinians in shelling outside of a UN-run school in Gaza, which is offering shelter to thousands of Palestinian civilians, saying that "the attack is yet another gross violation of international humanitarian law".

The US State Department also said on Sunday that the United States is "appalled" by the "disgraceful" shelling outside the school, which killed at least 10 Palestinian civilians.

"We once again stress that Israel must do more to meet its own standards and avoid civilian casualties," spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. - SAnews.gov.za–Xinhua

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor has commended the participation of South African schools in global science competitions, saying they were nurturing the country's future researchers and innovators.

Speaking at the launch of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Free State in Bloemfontein on Saturday, the minister said while South Africa has not done well in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in recent years, the situation was “not entirely without hope”.

Since 1999, the country has been sending high school learners' research projects to the world's most prestigious science fairs, such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in America.

"Our learners' performances have been consistently good," said Minister Pandor.

Two projects were entered into the fair in 1999, and 11 had been entered in 2014.

Minister Pandor said events such as NSW are aimed at boosting interest in scientific and technological development and innovation, helping the country transform into a knowledge-based economy.

NSW is an annual week-long event aimed at celebrating the role that science, mathematics, engineering and technology play in everyday life and encouraging more young people to follow careers in these fields.

It attracts thousands of learners to workshops, science shows and exhibitions at universities, schools and science centres countrywide.

The annual focus week is in its 15th year, and takes place under the theme: ‘Today's Science, Tomorrow's World’.

Over 4 000 people including learners, educators and parents converged at the campus to experience "science at work", featuring an array of exciting science activities, including a sky-viewing opportunity at the nearby Boyden Observatory.

Minister Pandor invited all citizens to participate in NSC activities from 2 - 9 August, saying this should stimulate interest among the public, especially young people.

"Our success depends on whether our country is ready to harness the advantage of large numbers of young people who are able and willing to work.

“This is where the provision of education becomes an important resource in ensuring that our young people are well prepared and equipped with knowledge and skills to handle life," Free State Premier Ace Magashule said.

"We are delighted as a province to be hosting this year's National Science Week activities. These events will surely go a long way in inspiring our young innovative and inquisitive minds in the fields of research and development.

“As the provincial government, we value the output of scientific research and development, as we see it as a potent instrument in our efforts to grow the knowledge economy of our province and country. We will increase our investment in resources for the development of this sphere of life,” Premier Magashule said. – SAnews.gov.za

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