Israeli Cabinet Approves Unilateral Ceasefire in Gaza as of 2 AM
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet has approved a unilateral ceasefire to halt an 11-day military operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media said late Thursday.
The decision came after heavy U.S. pressure to halt the offensive. Multiple reports said the ceasefire was to go into effect at 2 a.m., just over three hours after the decision.
A Hamas official meanwhile said that the Palestinians will also begin a mutual and simultaneous ceasefire with Israel as of 2 a.m.
Since fighting broke out on May 10, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes that it says have targeted Hamas' infrastructure, including a vast tunnel network. Hamas and other militant groups have fired over 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities, with hundreds falling short and most of the rest intercepted.
At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, while 12 people in Israel have died.
Source: Associated Press, Naharnet
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