Palestinian officials confirm truce at 8 a.m.

The Palestinian delegation to Cairo — which includes representatives of Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other factions — tells Egypt this evening that it accepts its offer for a 72-hour truce, beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow, senior officials in the delegation tell The Times of Israel.

The officials say the Egyptians have made it clear that Israel has agreed to the offer in principal.

They note that the agreement began as a request for a 24-hour truce to allow the head of the Red Cross to visit the Strip, and was then expanded to 72 hours, with the option of a further extension.

Furthermore, during the 72-hour period, an Israeli security delegation is expected in Cairo to negotiate the terms of a long-lasting ceasefire with the Palestinian delegates. The Palestinian demands include the opening of crossings and the release of prisoners. Israel will also present its demands during these talks.

— Avi Issacharoff