Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire to halt an 11-day military offensive in besieged Gaza, according to Israeli media.
The ceasefire came into force after Egypt brokered an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt 11 days of violence and after heavy US pressure to halt the offensive.
Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad then confirmed the ceasefire in a statement, saying it would come into force at 2:00am on Friday.
Speaking to thousands of people celebrating the ceasefire in Gaza City, a senior Hamas figure has claimed victory in the conflict with Israel, according to AFP news agency.
“This is the euphoria of victory,” said Khalil al-Hayya, the second most senior member of the group’s political bureau in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas also promised to reconstruct homes destroyed by Israeli air strikes.
Since Israeli aggression started on May 10, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on besieged Gaza.
At least 232 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestine health officials, while 12 people in Israel have died.
(This is a developing story)
