The agreement went into effect at 7:00 p.m. (local time). The announcement was made by Mohammed Kamel Amr, the Egyptian foreign minister. Netanyahu calls Obama to confirm acceptance of the truce, but warns of an even harder operation in the event of new rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.

Gaza (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Israel and Hamas have signed a cease-fire agreement after a week of airstrikes and rocket attacks that have killed 158 Palestinians and left five Israelis dead. The announcement was made by Mohammed Kamel Amr, the Egyptian foreign minister during a press conference with Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State. Kamel Amr thanked Turkey, Qatar, the United Nations and the Arab League for their contribution to reaching the agreement. The end of hostilities has been in place since 7:00 p.m. (local time).

According to sources inside the office of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has already contacted President Barack Obama confirming Israel's support of the cease-fire proposed by Egypt. But Netanyahu reiterated the threat of a new intervention in case of violation of the cease-fire by Hamas.

Yasir Ali, a spokesman for the Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, said that the government in Cairo will work with both parties to monitor the implementation of the agreement. 

 

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