Expectations grow for long-term Gaza truce

Peace agreement likely to be brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations

GAZA STRIP, Middle East - Talks held in recent weeks may produce a long-term peace deal between the Hamas rulers of the Palestinian Gaza Strip and Israel.

Palestinian political observers said there would soon be an announcement of a truce brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations, along with the release by Israel of a plan to ease the blockade it has imposed on Gaza since 2007.