According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet approved a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, and Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to a “mutual and simultaneous” cease-fire. As the ruling took effect on Friday, Palestinians across the Gaza Strip were seen celebrating in the streets. The development comes in the wake of rising international pressure on both sides to put an end to the hostilities. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 230 Palestinians have been killed in the latest war, whereas Israeli police claim that 12 people have been killed.
Pause on the Israel and Palestine situation
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest against the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestinian territories during a rally at the Washington Monument in Washington, U.S., May 15, 2021. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas