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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israel and the Hamas terror group agreed to a cease-fire Wednesday to end eight days of the fiercest fighting in nearly four years, promising to halt attacks on each other and ease an Israeli blockade constricting the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian gunmen in Gaza fired into the air in celebration. At UN run schools in Gaza, where thousands had fled for protection, children and parents cheered and clapped.

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“I just hope they commit to peace,” said Abdel-Nasser al-Tom, from northern Gaza.

The deal was brokered by the new Islamist government of Egypt, solidifying its role as a leader in the quickly shifting Middle East after two days of intense shuttle diplomacy that saw U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton race to the region. Under the agreement, Egypt will play a key role in maintaining the peace.

Minutes before the deal took effect at 9 p.m. local time. (2 p.m. EDT) there was a last spasm of Palestinian rocket attacks and Israeli airstrikes, including one that killed a man minutes before the deadline. After 9 p.m., the attacks ceased. Israel launched well over 1,500 airstrikes and other attacks on targets in Gaza since fighting started Nov. 14, while more than 1,000 rockets pounded Israel. In all, 161 Palestinians, including dozens of civilians, were killed, while five Israelis died.