Israel and Hamas agree ceasefire
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been agreed, Egypt has announced.
Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said the truce would take effect tonight at 9pm local time (7pm Irish time).
In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal, saying he had agreed after consulting with President Barack Obama.
It will end a week of fighting that has killed more than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis.
One Palestinian official said under its terms, Israel would cease all military activity against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and Palestinian militants would cease rocket attacks into Israel.
After 24 hours of quiet, Gaza’s border crossings with Israel would be opened further to allow freer movement of goods and people.
Egypt would be the guarantor of the deal, according to the official, who did not wish to be named.
President Obama welcomed the agreement. He spoke to Mr Netanyahu and commended him for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal, which Mr Obama had recommended the Prime Minister accept.
The White House said the United States will use the opportunity to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.
Mr Obama also said he would seek more money for the Iron Dome defence system that has protected Israel from rocket attacks.
