Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire late on Thursday to end their 11-day-long conflict in Gaza that claimed over 200 lives.
As the ceasefire took effect at 2am (local time) on Friday, residents of Gaza went out of their homes, with many firing into the air and shouting "Allahu Akbar", Associated Press reported.
The cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the ceasefire proposal from Egypt, following recommendations from officials of the military and security agencies.
An Israeli government statement boasted "significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented”.
Ironically, Netanyahu was also subjected to criticism from hardline rightwing supporters, who accused him of stopping the operation too soon as Israel was unable to stop the constant rocket attacks by Hamas. Itamar Ben Gvir, head of the far-right Jewish Power party, tweeted the ceasefire was “a grave surrender to terrorism and the dictates of Hamas”.
Hamas spokesman, Abdelatif al-Qanou, said Israel's announcement was a “declaration of defeat”.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire and credited Egypt for brokering the initiative. Biden noted he saw a "genuine opportunity" towards the larger goal of lasting peace in the Middle East.
Speaking in Washington DC, Biden said, “I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy. My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that.”
Bide said he assured Netanyahu the US would replenish its supply of missiles for the Iron Dome rocket defence system. The Iron Dome was credited with shooting down scores of rockets in the Gaza conflict. Biden also said the US would work with the Palestinian Authority to provide aid to rebuild Gaza. Biden emphasised the US would not work with Hamas in this endeavour. "We will do this [provide aid to Gaza] in full partnership with the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, the PA, in a manner that does not permit Hamas to restock its military arsenal," Biden was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post.
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At least 227 people in Gaza were killed in the conflict, while 12 people in Israel lost their lives. More than 58,000 Palestinians were forced to flee their homes during the conflict and seek refuge in UN schools, raising fears of COVID-19 spread.
