Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, left, at a Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, May 9, 2021. (Amit Shabi/Pool/Flash90) (JTA) — After 11 days of fighting, Israel and Hamas agreed to a “mutual and simultaneous” ceasefire on Thursday that will begin at 2 a.m. Friday Israel time.
Israel’s security cabinet unanimously approved the truce, according to reports, after military officials presented what they deemed the successful outcomes of their campaign.
“Hamas is deterred and suffered serious blows,” one official said, according to The Times of Israel.
A Hamas official confirmed the news to Reuters on Thursday.
The ceasefire was mediated by Egypt and supported by the United States and other countries. On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted that she spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah about “our intensive diplomatic efforts to support the path to a ceasefire in Gaza.”
President Joe Biden had added to the international pressure on Wednesday, stating on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected “de-escalation” within a day.
About 230 Gazans and 12 Israelis have died in the exchange of fire that began on May 9 with Hamas launching rockets into Israel.
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