Hamas, Fatah declare new cease-fire
'Pakistan Times' Wire Service

GAZA CITY: Warring Hamas and Fatah factions in Gaza have declared a cease-fire early Tuesday and said it would take effect within hours.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar of Hamas said the truce would go into effect at 3 a.m. local time.

He spoke after a meeting between Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and a representative of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, with the participation of Egyptian mediators. They flanked him during his statement.

Zahar said clashes that have taken more than 60 lives are to halt, security forces are to return to their bases and suspects in killings are to be handed over.

As he spoke, gunfire could still be heard in Gaza City.●