Israel and the militant Islamic Jihad group in Gaza reached a cease-fire today.<br />'' <br />'' The two sides sought to end the heaviest fighting in Gaza in months that killed at least 34 Palestinians and paralyzed parts of Israel.<br />'' <br />'' Islamic Jihad spokesman Musab al-Berim said the Egyptian-brokered deal went into effect this morning.  <br />'' <br />'' An Israeli military spokesman tweeted that the Gaza operation "is over." Some restrictions were lifted on residents of southern Israel and traffic returned to the streets of the Palestinian coastal territory.<br />'' <br />'' Al-Berim said the cease-fire was based on a list of demands presented by his group late last night.<br />'' <br />'' This included a halt to Israeli targeted killings of the group's leaders. An Israeli military spokesman did not confirm any such deal, listing only Israeli accomplishments in the fighting.<br />'' <br />'' Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the policy of targeted killings had "proved itself" and that it would continue, despite the word of the cease-fire.<br />'' <br />'' The fighting broke out early on Tuesday after Israel killed a senior commander of the Iranian-backed militant group. The group was said to be behind a string of rocket attacks and who Israel said was believed to be planning a cross-border infiltration.<br />'' <br />'' The rare targeted killing by Israel sparked the heaviest fighting with Gaza militants since May. Islamic Jihad fired some 400 rockets towards Israel, while Israel responded with scores of airstrikes.<br />