Islamic Jihad announces ceasefire with Israel after day of strikes: official

Islamic Jihad announced an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel today, after the worst flare-up since a 2014 war.
In this file photo, a Palestinian protester kicks a tire following protests against US. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
In this file photo, a Palestinian protester kicks a tire following protests against US. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

GAZA CITY, PALESTINE: Islamic Jihad announced an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel today, after the worst flare-up since a 2014 war.

In a statement the group's spokesman said after Egyptian mediation a "ceasefire agreement was reached with Israel to return to calm."

He told AFP that Gaza's rulers Hamas were also committed to it, though there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or Israel.

"All factions, including Hamas and Jihad, are committed to understandings for calm," Jihad spokesman Dawoud Shihab told AFP.

Islamic Jihad and Hamas had earlier claimed responsibility for dozens of mortars and rockets fired from Gaza early yesterday.

In response, the Jewish state hit dozens of "military targets" in Gaza, with strikes continuing till last evening.

Three Israeli soldiers were wounded by projectiles fired from Gaza, one moderately and two lightly, said the army.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties in the strip.

The clashes raised fears of another round of conflict in Gaza.

An Islamic Jihad source told AFP the ceasefire would go into effect within hours.

Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

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