Israel and Hamas agreed yesterday to an Egyptian- brokered ceasefire to halt an eight-day conflict that killed 162 Palestinians and five Israelis.

Palestinian militants fired nearly 150 rockets into Israel today, killing three people and striking the southern outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Israel’s former president, Moshe Katsav, heads to prison tomorrow to begin serving a seven-year term for his conviction in a landmark rape case that both entranced and appalled the nation.

Israel’s attorney general has told President Moshe Katsav to move out of his official residence in Jerusalem while he takes a leave of absence to fight off accusations that he committed rape and other crimes.