HOPES rose yesterday of an end to the carnage in the Gaza Strip as Egypt brokered a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Hamas negotiator Moussa Abu Marzouk said the deal would end seven weeks of fighting that has left more than 2,200 people dead.

Israel agreed to ease its blockade of Gaza to allow in aid supplies and building materials.

Talks between the two sides will continue in Egypt starting in the next month.

The breakthrough came after Israeli jets bombed two high-rise buildings in Gaza City. The Basha Tower was flattened and the Italian Complex, with homes, shops and offices, was damaged.