BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The Israeli army said Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement announced in Cairo was in effect following eight days of deadly airstrikes against targets in Gaza.

"A short while ago, a ceasefire agreement regarding the fighting in the south, came into effect," an emailed statement said.

The military said it had accomplished its objectives and inflicted "severe damage to Hamas and its military capabilities."

"As a result of IDF operations, the command and control apparatus of Hamas was significantly struck, beginning with the targeting of the commander of the military wing of Hamas," it said.