Egypt: Israel, Hamas agree to temporary truce

Egyptian and Palestinian officials announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend a temporary cease fire to five days, the Associated Press reports.

Even with the extension announced, however, violence in Gaza spiked with Palestinian militants launching five rockets into neighboring Israel, and Israel responding by targeting sites across the Gaza strip.

The extension is designed to give both sides more time to negotiate a longer-term truce. The war began on July 8 with Israeli air strikes against Hamas leaders in Gaza. So far, the fighting has resulted in the death of more than 1,900 Palestinians and 67 Israelis.

Read more from the Associated Press.