GAZA, March 13, 2012 (WAFA) – An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that supposedly went into effect shortly after midnight was reported to be holding by Tuesday morning, according to local residents.
They said the situation in the Gaza Strip was relatively calm following four days of Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian missile attacks at bordering Israeli towns.
Palestinian factions in Gaza and Israel agreed to the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire that went into effect at 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to a statement by a senior Egyptian official.
He said both sides agreed to end all current military operations, including Israeli assassination of Palestinian activists, following intensive talks between the Israeli government and all factions.
Egypt will follow up the implementation of the agreement, said the official.
Islamic Jihad spokesman Daoud Shihab confirmed in a statement the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.
R.Q./M.S.
