Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire after 11 days of conflict, reports say.
According to BBC, the ceasefire was confirmed by an official of the Palestinian militant group who said a “mutual and simultaneous” truce had been called for as of 02:00 on Friday – as per the local time in that region.
Soon after the ceasefire started, thousands of people in Gaza and the Palestinian territories poured onto the streets to celebrate, the report said.
A CNN report said the truce was “brokered by Egypt” and was largely a result of international pressure as well as various diplomatic efforts.
However, a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office said the Israel Defence Force or IDF, would re-start their campaign against militant groups in Gaza if those groups failed to uphold their side of the agreement.
At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, were killed in the Israeli bombardment.
On the Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, have been killed.
Following the ceasefire, Al Jazeera quoted US President Joe Biden as saying:
“We remain committed to work with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people in Gaza and in the Gaza reconstruction efforts.
“I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy.”
“My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that end. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I am committed to working for it.”
Picture: Twitter