Hamas: Middle East truce to come into effect tonight

A Hamas official has said Israel and Gaza militants have reportedly agreed to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.

The official said the truce will be announced in Cairo tonight and will come into effect from 10pm Irish time.

118 Palestinians and four Israelis have died since the latest conflict erupted a week ago.

Speaking earlier, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon urged strong caution against a ground offensive.

Ban Ki Moon has held talks with the Israeli Prime Minister and has urged "restraint", while Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would be a "willing partner" to a longer-lasting plan to end the conflict.

However, Mr Netanyahu also cautioned that they would do what is necessary to defend themselves.