Israel has agreed to a cease-fire with Hamas, which would bring an end to almost two weeks of fighting.
On Thursday, the Israel Security Cabinet voted to approve a cease-fire proposal brokered by Egypt. The New York Times reported that a Hamas official confirmed the organization had agreed to ceasefire beginning at 2 a.m. local time on Friday.
The deal comes after 11 day days of airstrikes that left more than 200 people dead in Gaza.
Militants in Gaza fired more than 4,000 rockets into Israel, killing 12 people.
The cease-fire agreement comes one day after President Joe Biden told Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he “expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire.”
On Wednesday, Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel “greatly appreciates the support of the American president.” However, it would continue its campaign “to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.”
He also said he is “determined to continue this operation until its aim is met.”
On Monday, the White House said Biden “reiterated his firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks” during a call with Netanyahu.
However, he “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians. The two leaders discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end.”
