Hamas prepared to announce Gaza truce

CAIRO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Hamas officials meeting in Cairo say a long-term truce with Israel may be announced within a matter of days.

The Egyptian-brokered deal will call for the reopening of all border crossings into Gaza in exchange for an 18-month cease-fire, the BBC reports

"We have agreed to the truce with the Israeli side for one year and a half (in return) for the opening of all six passages between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the halting of all military activity and aggression," said Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy leader of Hamas.

There was no immediate reaction to his statement from Israel.

Marzouk said he still needs to consult with other Palestinian factions before a final announcement can be made.