Damascus-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal announced on Syrian television on Sunday afternoon
about 800 am EST
that the Islamic group would implement a cease-fire in which they would halt all military activity and give IDF troops one week to pull out of the Gaza Strip.
A leader of the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip said that his group agreed to the Hamas truce, and said that other smaller Palestinian factions have signed on, as well.
On Saturday, Hamas said it would continue to fight despite Israel's decision unilaterally end the offensive. However, defiant statements issued by a number of Hamas representatives were countered by sources close to the movement
that would be Hamas sources in Gaza
which said the group would honor the cease-fire.
"Hamas needs the lull," the sources said. "They have been hit hard and they have no choice but to comply."
Declaration seems to be low on triumphalistic slogans |