CAIRO -- Hamas and Israel agreed to a cease-fire that took effect Wednesday evening following a week of intense diplomacy to stop rocket fire and airstrikes that have pounded the Gaza Strip and Israel and raised fears of plunging the region into a wider war.
The truce began at 9 p.m. local time and appeared at least initially to be taking hold.
The deal was announced in Cairo by Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who flew to the region Tuesday night as hopes for a truce remained elusive amid heavy artillery exchanges.
TIMELINE: Israel-Gaza conflict
"After intensive efforts, calls and negotiations with the Israelis and factions of the Palestinian resistance, we have come to an understanding," Amr said.
Clinton said: "The people of this region deserve to live in peace and safety," adding that she had discussed with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi "how Egypt and the U.S. can support this process."
In Washington, President Obama thanked Morsi for his efforts "to achieve a sustainable cease-fire and for his personal leadership in negotiating a cease-fire proposal."
It was unclear how the deal would be enforced. It calls for Israel to stop all bombardment -- from land, sea and air -- of the Gaza Strip and for Hamas to halt firing rockets into Israel. It also notes that Israel should stop "incursions and targeting of individuals."
