Israel and the Hamas terrorist group agreed to a ceasefire Wednesday, November 21 to end eight days of the fiercest fighting in nearly four years, promising to halt air strikes and rocket attacks that have killed scores and to discuss easing an Israeli blockade constricting the Gaza Strip, CBS News reported. However, a dozen rockets hit southern Israel until an hour after the ceasefire deadline, and schools in the region planned to stay shut Thursday as a precaution in case rockets continue to be launched. The deal was brokered by the new Islamist government of Egypt, solidifying its role as a leader in the quickly shifting Middle East after two days of intense shuttle diplomacy that saw U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton race to the region. Under the agreement, Egypt will play a key role in maintaining the peace.