Israel, Hamas announce ceasefire after 11-day conflict

At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed in 11 days of violence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office Thursday announced a ceasefire to end 11-day of conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A statement said his Security Cabinet unilaterally approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal.

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The two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect. Multiple reports said the truce was to go into effect at 2am on Friday (23:00 GMT on Thursday), just over three hours after the cabinet’s decision

At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed in 11 days of violence.

On the Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, have been killed.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday discussed the events in Gaza with Netanyahu earlier, telling the caretaker leader that he expected “a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire”.

But shortly after Biden’s phone call, Netanyahu said he was “determined” to continue bombarding Gaza until Israel’s “aim is met”.

The UN Security Council’s efforts for a truce between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers remain stalled, meanwhile, with the US had continued to veto action on the issue

The Israeli cabinet in a statement says the truce proposed by Egypt and will be “mutual and unconditional”.