Sources: Ceasefire deal reached in Gaza

[oberliner]

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Palestinian sources say UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Robert Serry managed to reach a ceasefire agreement late Saturday between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza.

The agreement, according to the sources, necessitates that Israel stops strikes on the Gaza Strip and Palestinian military groups commit to stop firing shells toward Israeli towns around Gaza. However, the factions have not officially announced ceasefire.

The sources highlighted that the Israelis posed a controversial point when they insisted their forces would continue to hit what they called “time bombs” which pose a threat to Israel. The Palestinian attitude to that Israeli stipulation was not clear.

Ma’an’s correspondent in Gaza said all the military groups committed to the agreement except Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades who claimed responsibility for firing three mortar shells at the Kerem Shalom area Sunday morning.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=377260

[Harmony Blue]

1. This is a step in the right direction

Lets hope it can last somewhat.

[bemildred]

2. A good thing, if true. nt

[azurnoir]

3. Israel to continue fighting 'terror in Gaza' despite Hamas ceasefire plea

Israel has decided to continue to "work against terrorism in Gaza," despite Hamas' call for a ceasefire, Cabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser said on Sunday.

The political-security cabinet convened earlier in the day in order to discuss the current situation with Gaza. After being briefed on the latest developments, the cabinet decided to instruct the Israel Defense Forces and security officials to "continue to work against terrorism in Gaza in order to stop the firing on Israel and return quiet to southern Israel," Hauser said.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-continue-fighting-terror-in-gaza-despite-hamas-ceasefire-plea-1.355162