Palestinian Protesters, Israeli Police Clash in Jerusalem"
Israel-Palestinian News LIVE Updates: Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire, halting a deadly 11-day war that led to widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a standstill and claimed over 200 lives. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement which controls the Gaza Strip, came into force early today.
Gaza’s second-most powerful armed group
Each side said it stood ready to retaliate for any truce violations by the other. The truce brokered by Egypt, which also included Gaza’s second-most powerful armed group, Islamic Jihad, was agreed upon following mounting international pressure to stem the bloodshed which erupted on May 10. At 2 a.m. local time, just as the cease-fire took effect, frenzy life returned to the streets of Gaza.
Palestinian : Many fired in the air, celebrating the truce.
People poured out of their homes, some shouting “Allahu Akbar” or whistling from balconies. Many celebrated the truce by firing into the air. Meanwhile, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the security cabinet had “unanimously accepted the recommendation of all of the security officials… to accept the Egyptian initiative for a mutual ceasefire without preconditions.” Thus, the decision marked a significant shift towards peace.
Palestinian : Hamas and Islamic Jihad also confirmed the ceasefire
Hamas and Islamic Jihad also confirmed the ceasefire in statements. “This is the euphoria of victory,” said Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas figure, in front of a crowd of thousands of Palestinians who had gathered in the streets to celebrate.
About the Author
