Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad agree to Egyptian-brokered Gaza truce

A truce between Israel and the Islamic Jihad militant group officially went into effect late Saturday, with an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at ending the worst bout of cross-border fire since a 10-day war in 2021.

The ceasefire agreement is meant to end the worst cross-border attack since a 10-day war in 2021.

Israel’s national security adviser thanked the Egyptian president for Cairo’s efforts, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Calm will meet calm and if Israel is attacked or threatened, it will continue to do what it must to defend itself,” the statement said.

The Joe Biden administration welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based militant group Islamic Jihad that was brokered by Egypt.

“The United States welcomes tonight’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based militants brokered by the Egyptian government after nearly five days of fighting,” White House press secretary Karine said. Jean Pierre.

The White House said US officials worked with regional partners to achieve the resolution and thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for “critical diplomatic efforts.”

The Biden administration extended its gratitude to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar.

The streets of Gaza, which were largely deserted, filled with Palestinians as the fighting subsided. People cheered and honked at the celebrations, while others headed to the homes of people killed in the clashes to pay their respects.

“In light of the agreement of the Palestinian and Israeli parties, Egypt announces that a ceasefire has been reached between the Palestinian and Israeli parties,” the text of the agreement read, according to Reuters.

“The two sides will respect the ceasefire, which will include an order to attack civilians, demolition of houses, an order to attack people immediately when the ceasefire comes into force,” he said.

Islamic Jihad also confirmed the agreement, adding: “We declare our acceptance of the Egyptian announcement and we will abide by it as long as the occupation (Israel) abides by it.”

The violent conflagration between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza has pitted the Israeli army against Islamic Jihad, the second largest militant group in Gaza after Hamas.

Israel launched the latest round of airstrikes in the early hours of Tuesday, announcing that it was targeting militant commanders who had planned attacks in Israel.

The Iran-backed group responded by firing more than 1,000 rockets, sending Israelis fleeing into bomb shelters.

During the five days of the campaign, Israel assassinated six senior Islamic Jihad commanders and destroyed several military installations.

At least 10 civilians, including women and children, were also killed in Gaza during clashes, and two people, an Israeli woman and a Palestinian worker, were killed by Palestinian rocket fire in Israel.

“We want the truce to be based on principle, not like in the past when after a quiet (truce) people died,” resident Munir Marouf, 43, told Reuters.