Israel and Hamas agree on cease-fire deal

CAIRO (AP) - Egypt announces cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas effective Wednesday evening.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said the truce was to take effect at 2 p.m. EDT. He made the announcement alongside visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal, saying he had agreed after consulting with President Barack Obama.

The deal is to end a week of fighting that has killed more than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis.

President Barack Obama is hailing a ceasefire agreement to end a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The White House says Obama talked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday and commended him for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal, which the Obama had recommended the prime minister accept.

The White House says the United States will use the opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.

Obama also said he would seek more money for the Iron Dome defense system that has protected Israel from rocket attacks.

9 News and WCPO.com will update this story as more information becomes available.