A Palestinian relative salvages what he can from his family's belongings amid the rubble of the al-Akhras family home after it was hit by Israeli strike in Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip on Aug. 26, 2014.(Photo: Eyad Baba, AP)
CAIRO — Egypt announced that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will go into effect at 7 p.m. local time Tuesday, state news agency MENA reported.
Earlier, Hamas said Israel agreed to a long-term cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, signaling the end to a seven-week war that has killed more than 2,000. There was no immediate comment from Israel.
"The negotiations have ended and we have reached understandings that underscore the steadfast stance of the Palestinian people with the victory of the resistance," Hamas' deputy leader in Cairo, Moussa Abu Marzouk said, according to Haaretz. "We are waiting for an official announcement to set the final hour and announce a cease-fire and an end to Israeli aggression."
Ziad Nakhala, a senior official in Islamic Jihad, another faction fighting in Gaza, told the Associated Press the truce calls for an "open-ended" cease-fire, and an Israeli agreement to ease its blockade.
A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending the official announcement, confirmed the terms to the AP.
The truce calls for new meetings a month from now when Israeli and Palestinian officials can discuss the construction of a Gaza seaport and the release of Hamas prisoners, Reuters reported.
The Israeli and Egyptian blockades on Gaza have been a sticking point in ongoing negotiations between the two sides, which have been meeting in Cairo to nail down a truce. Hamas has continued to demand Israel and Egypt lift their blockades, which it says prevents economic development and supplies from entering the region. Israel, meanwhile, has demanded that the Islamic militant group disarm.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have targeted high-rise buildings, including apartments, along the Gaza Strip, hitting five towers and shopping complexes since Saturday in an apparent tactic aimed to increase pressure on Hamas. Occupants were warned of the impending strikes before they hit.
Since July 8, more than 2,000 Palestinians have died in the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. In Israel, four civilians and 64 soldiers have been killed, according to the Israeli military.
Lackey reported from McLean, Va. Contributing: The Associated Press
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