Egypt’s Foreign Minister has announced that a truce between Israel and Hamas will go into effect at 9 PM GMT, 2 PM Eastern.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently spoke with President Barack Obama and accepted his recommendation to give a chance to the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire, and thus provide an opportunity to stabilize the situation and calm it down before it became necessary to use even more force.
Netanyahu expressed his deep appreciation to the president’s support of Israel during the operation and his contribution to the Iron Dome system.
The prime minister reiterated that Israel will take all necessary steps to protect the citizens of Israel.
An Egyptian official confirmed to Reuters that a ceasefire agreement was reached between Palestinians, Israel. Israel has agreed to a truce in Gaza, but will not lift blockade: Israeli sources. (Reuters)
Secretary Clinton said on Egyptian television tonight: “The U.S. will work with partners across the region, improve conditions in Gaza, provide security for the people in Israel. Every step must move us towards a comprehensive peace for all the people in the region. Egypt is assuming responsibility and leadership of the region.”
Clinton made no mention of Hamas in her short speech, referring only to PA president Mahmoud Abbas.
The Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal has Egyptian “guarantees,” an Egyptian source close to the truce talks told Reuters.
An Egyptian source said the truce includes an end to “assassinations” and “incursions,” and will also ease movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza. (Reuters)