Israel and Hamas agree another 72-hour truce

Israel and the Hamas militant group accepted a renewed Egyptian ceasefire proposal yesterday, clearing the way for the resumption of talks on a long-term truce meant to end a month of heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip that has taken nearly 2,000 lives.

The announcement marked the second time in less than a week that the sides had agreed to Egyptian mediation. A similar 72-hour truce last week collapsed in renewed violence over the weekend. In Cairo, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the truce would take effect at midnight (2101 GMT) and would create the atmosphere to resume humanitarian aid to the battered Gaza Strip and allow for indirect talks on a more lasting and comprehensive deal.

Hamas is seeking an end to an Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, while Israel wants Hamas to dismantle its formidable arsenal of rockets and other weapons.