The Syrian military says it will cease military operations for four days starting on Friday, October 26 in observance of a major Muslim holiday, according to Belfast Telegraph.

In the announcement read on state TV however, the army said it would still respond to gunfire or roadside bombs and keep rebels from bolstering their positions or getting supplies.

The international envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, proposed the four-day ceasefire for Eid al-Adha, saying it could lead to a longer truce and political negotiations between the sides.

Rebel forces have dismissed the idea, saying they do not trust the regime of President Bashar Assad to stick to its promises.

Both sides have violated previous ceasefires after agreeing to them.

Activists say more than 35,000 people have been killed since the uprising against Mr Assad began in March 2011.