Hamas says they've reached ceasefire with Israel

Smoke rises following what witnesses said was an Israeli air strike in Gaza on July 21. (Photo:Reuters)

Palestinian officials have claims that a long term ceasefire agreement has been reached in Cairo through indirect talks. Hamas spokesperson said, "An agreement has been reached between the two sides and we are awaiting the announcement from Cairo to determine the zero hour for implementation,” and Moussa Abu Marzouk, an exiled Hamas leader, said "talks have ended. We have reached understandings crowning our people's steadfastness and our resistance's triumph. We are awaiting a statement setting the zero point and end to the aggression."

Initial reports say that the agreement includes a mutual ceasefire, the opening of the Gaza crossings, construction materials for rebuilding Gaza, increase in the fishing zone, and the cessation of Israel's targeted assassinations against Palestinian leaders. Details will be announced in the upcoming hours.

Israeli officials say that the Israel has agreed to ease the blockade and allow aid and building supplies into Gaza. Other issues such as disarming Gaza will be discussed in the upcoming weeks.

Israel attacked two high-rise buildings, Tuesday, destroying one and damaging the other which was home to 70 families. At least 20 people were wounded in the assaults.

More than 2,100 people have been killed by Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip over the past seven weeks of “Operation Protective Edge.” Over 500,000 Gazans have been internally displaced.

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