Palestinian officials said this evening that a ceasefire had been agreed with Israel, but an Israeli military spokesman said a deal had not been finalised.

Earlier today the Egyptian President said he expected a ceasefire by the end of the day, while Israel said it held off a ground offensive to give truce efforts a chance.

At least 120 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, have died in the offensive launched by Israel, which said it needed to take action to halt militant rocket fire out of Gaza.

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