Palestinian groups in Gaza say they have accepted a cease-fire after Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at southern Israel, killing a Palestinian man, and Israel launched dozens of airstrikes on Gaza. Palestinians say at least seven people were killed.
Egyptian mediators are due in the region Wednesday after the worst cross-border violence in years.
In a statement, all of the organizations in Gaza said they had accepted a cease-fire mediated by Egypt. “Egypt’s efforts have been able to achieve a cease-fire between the resistance and the Zionist enemy,” the statement reads. “The resistance will respect this declaration as long as the Zionist enemy respects it.
Israeli officials did not comment, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly said that Israel does not want a war in Gaza.
The reports of a cease-fire came after Hamas launched a near-constant barrage of rockets at southern Israel, sending hundreds of thousands of people to bomb shelters. Israel said Hamas fired more than 400 rockets at southern Israel. Israel responded with more than 100 airstrikes on Gaza, including one that leveled the studios of the Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa TV.
The latest fighting began after an Israeli operation led to a firefight between Israeli undercover troops inside the Gaza Strip and Hamas fighters. The clash left one senior Israeli officer dead, as well as seven Hamas fighters.
Analysts say that neither side wants war, but previous cease-fires have been derailed by events on the ground.
