Photos: (L) Palestinians celebrate the ceasefire brokered by Egypt between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City [Mahmud Hams/AFP], (R) Israel And Hamas Agree To Ceasefire After Egypt Brokers Truce
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, the Israeli cabinet reportedly confirmed the decision to approve a ceasefire.
On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that the Israeli cabinet has agreed to approve a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas.
The Israeli security cabinet released a statement, saying:
"The Security Cabinet convened tonight. The Political Security Cabinet unanimously accepted the recommendation of all security officials, the chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet [internal security agency], the head of the Mossad [foreign intelligence] and the head of the National Security Council, to accept the Egyptian initiative for a bilateral unconditional ceasefire, which will take effect at a later date."
The statement added:
"The chief of staff, the military echelon and the head of the GSS reviewed before the ministers Israel's great achievements in the campaign, some of which were unprecedented. The political echelon emphasizes that the reality on the ground will determine the continuation of the campaign."
Soon after the ceasefire was confirmed by Israel, the BBC reported that there were warning sirens indicating that rockets had been fired from Gaza, according to the Israeli military. It was also reported that Israeli airstrikes continued, according to Palestinian groups.
"Egyptian President Sisi has ordered two security delegations into Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to work towards upholding the ceasefire, according to Egyptian state TV", the BBC added.
It was also confirmed by Egyptian media that President Sisi had ordered security delegations into both Israel and occupied Palestinian territories to ensure that the ceasefire will be maintained.
The BBC reported:
"Egyptian President Sisi has ordered two security delegations into Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to work towards upholding the ceasefire, according to Egyptian state TV."
The Associated Press, whose offices reportedly shared a building with Hamas, stated that a Hamas official said:
"[the] ceasefire announced by Israel amounts to a 'victory' for the Palestinian people and a defeat for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."
The BBC notes that:
"Ali Barakeh said Hamas militants would remain on alert until mediators have been in touch to finalise the details of the truce."
While The Times of Israel reported that:
"Right-wing lawmakers, including some of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close political allies, warned him on Thursday against a ceasefire with Hamas as Israel and the terror group closed in on an agreement to end 11 days of fighting."
However, the New Hope leader, Gideon Sa'ar, has declined the proposals. He said in a statement:
"The cessation of Israeli military activity without imposing any restrictions preventing the arming and strengthening of Hamas and without the return of the soldiers and civilians held in Gaza will be a political failure, the price of which will be paid, with interest, in the future."
A Netanyahu critic warned that a ceasefire:
"Would seriously harm Israeli deterrence."
Further criticism was added by Yisrael Beytenu chair, Avigdor Liberman, who said:
"The one who nurtured Hamas and enabled it to get to where it is today is Netanyahu."
The truce would be taking effect at 2 a.m. on Friday. Reuters reported that:
"Israel and Hamas will cease-fire across the Gaza Strip border as of Friday, the Palestinian Islamist faction and Egyptian state TV."
According to The Associated Press:
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel accepted the Egyptian proposal after a late-night meeting of his Security Cabinet. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the deal."
[h/t: Daily Wire]
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