Hamas announces truce deal after deadly flare-up

A Hamas spokesman today announced that a new Mideast cease-fire agreement had been reached between the Islamic militant group and the rival Fatah movement.

The announcement followed a two-day flare-up of fighting that killed 17 people in Gaza.

Several cease-fire deals were reached during weeks of factional fighting, but usually did not last for more than a few days.

Today’s deal was announced by Nizar Rayan, a Hamas spokesman.