BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A truce between Gaza and Israel is important for the security of the Palestinian people and for regional stability, an Egyptian official said Friday.

Egypt's ambassador to the Palestinian Authority Yasser Othman told Ma'an the ceasefire between Palestinian factions and Israel was an Egyptian priority.

Hamas' military wing the Al-Qassam Brigades on Wednesday signed up to an Egyptian-brokered truce, agreeing to stop firing rockets from the Gaza Strip if Israel stopped attacking the enclave.

Israel killed eight Palestinians in a series of airstrikes and tank shelling over three days prior to the truce.

The truce is not a signed agreement but Egypt is in contact with both sides to maintain calm, the ambassador said.

The ceasefire is necessary for the safety of Palestinians and for regional stability which will ensure the rights of Palestinians will be achieved, he added.