Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire After 11 Days of Conflict
After 11 days of intense conflict that left hundreds dead, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. The agreement was brokered by Egypt and came into effect early Friday morning local time.
The conflict began on May 10th when Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of the Gaza Strip, began firing rockets into Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure in Gaza. The violence escalated over the following days, with both sides exchanging fire and civilian casualties mounting.
The ceasefire was welcomed by leaders around the world, with US President Joe Biden expressing support for the agreement and calling for efforts to rebuild and address the underlying causes of the conflict. The UN Secretary-General also welcomed the news, urging all parties to “use this opportunity to establish a solid and durable peace.”
The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for Israel to ease its blockade on the Gaza Strip and for Egypt to reopen its border with the territory. The agreement does not address the larger issues at the heart of the conflict, such as the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the status of Jerusalem.
The conflict has drawn international attention and condemnation, with protests and demonstrations taking place in cities around the world. Many have called for a long-term solution to the conflict that addresses the needs and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.