Egypt has brokered an agreement on a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, senior Palestinian officials have said.

Hamas negotiator Moussa Abu Marzouk said the deal to end seven weeks of fighting that has left more than 2,200 people dead would be announced shortly, BBC News reported.

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

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government. The apparent breakthrough came as both sides continued to trade fire.

On Tuesday August 26 morning after Israeli jets bombed two high-rise buildings in Gaza City.

The strikes flattened the Basha Tower, containing flats and offices, and severely damaged the Italian Complex, comprising homes, shops and offices.

Twenty people were injured in the attack on the Italian Complex, and two others were killed in Israeli strikes elsewhere in Gaza, medics said.

In Israel, 10 people were hurt when a rocket fired by militants in Gaza hit a house in the southern town of Ashkelon, police said. Another rocket was intercepted in the Tel Aviv area, to the north.