Gaza crisis: Israel, Hamas have agreed on 5 day truce, says Egypt

Cairo: An agreement between Israel and Hamas had decided to extend the temporary truce in Gaza for five more days, Egypt has said.The announcement came here yesterday, moments before the existing cease-fire was to expire. Egyptian capital is the hosting these talks.[caption id="attachment_1663567" align="alignleft" width="380"] AFP.[/caption]It was been accepted by both the parties to allow more time for indirect negotiations to paper over differences. The negotiations aim at reaching a complete peace agreement, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The Israeli delegation left for Tel Aviv late yesterday and the joint Palestinian delegation will leave today.Last week, the Palestinian delegation had demanded a permanent ceasefire, including an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, halting of air-strikes, lifting the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and release of Palestinian prisoners.Israel's offensive in Gaza, which began on 8 July, has led to the death of 1,939 Palestinians and left thousands injured. A total of 67 soldiers were killed including three civilians on the Israeli side.PTI