Israel agrees to ceasefire with Hamas

The government has formally agreed Wednesday to a ceasefire with the militant groups in Gaza Strip, according to the outlines brokered by Egypt. The truce is to take effect starting Thursday at 6 am.

A source in the Prime Minister's Office told Ynet that contrary to Hamas' claims, the agreement calls for the immediate release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. "No one is cracking open the champagne and declaring Hamas has laid down its weapons, but we are giving the truce a real chance," the PM's Office said. (Roni Sofer)