Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire

• A “mutual and unconditional” ceasefire has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas after mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
• The Gaza truce was proposed by mediator Egypt and voted upon by Israel’s security cabinet.
• The recent fighting has killed hundreds and injured thousands of Palestinians.

An official of the Palestinian Islamist faction has confirmed that a ceasefire has been agreed upon between Israel and Hamas as of 2 a.m. on Friday (2300 GMT Thursday). The ceasefire across the Gaza Strip border is believed to be a potentially tenuous halt to the fiercest fighting in decades. 

The “mutual and unconditional” Gaza truce, proposed by mediator Egypt, was voted upon favorably and unanimously by Israel’s security cabinet.

However, they have yet to agree upon the hour of implementation.

The agreement came a day after U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek de-escalation. Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations also made mediation bids.

The ceasefire would be “mutual and simultaneous,” a Hamas official told Reuters.

There was an eight-hour pause on Thursday, but the rocket attacks by Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad resumed thereafter. The Israel shelling was aimed at destroying the factions’ military capabilities in order to deter them from future retaliation.

The fierce fighting began on May 10 and has since led to about 232 Palestinian deaths, including 65 children and 39 women. Aerial bombardments have injured more than 1,900. At least 160 fighters in Gaza were also killed by Israel.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel is at 12, while rocket attacks injured hundreds.

Biden discussed the Gaza conflict with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday. According to the White House, there have been “encouraging” reports of moves toward a ceasefire. 

U.N. Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland is also in Qatar to negotiate, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed, adding: “We are actively engaged with all the relevant parties for an immediate ceasefire.” 

Source: Aol.com