Israel accepts ceasefire proposal

The Israeli government has accepted an Egyptian ceasefire proposal to halt a month-long war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, a senior Israeli official has said, signalling that an end to the bloodiest round of fighting between the bitter enemies is finally approaching.

The official said a preliminary 72-hour truce was to begin at 8am (6am Irish time) tomorrow. He said an Israeli delegation would head to Egypt to work out a long-term truce over the next three days.