Palestinian children demonstrate near an Israeli checkpoint in the center of the West Bank city of Hebron after they couldn't pass the checkpoint to get to school as it was closed off by Israeli security forces on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

The Palestinians have reached agreement with Israel on a "permanent" truce for Gaza, a senior official told AFP on Tuesday, in a move Hamas hailed as a "victory."

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the claimed deal to end seven weeks of deadly conflict.

"The contacts that have been going on have led to a permanent cease-fire, a [deal to] end the blockade and a guarantee that Gaza's demands and needs will be met," the anonymous official said.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas announced Tuesday that the truce would go into effect at 1600 GMT.

The Islamist Hamas movement, de facto ruler of Gaza and party to the Abbas-led efforts to agree a truce, also said a deal had been struck with Israel.

"The negotiations ended with an agreement which embodies the resistance of our people and a victory for the resistance," its exiled deputy leader Mussa Abu Marzuk wrote on his Facebook page.

This came after Israel warplanes hit two Gaza City highrises Tuesday, killing six and leaving 40 people wounded.

AFP