Israel and Hamas will enter a “mutual and simultaneous” Gaza truce at 2 a.m. on Friday (2300 GMT Thursday), a Hamas official told Reuters.
Israeli media reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet had approved the truce, on the basis of what one official was quoted as calling “quiet in exchange for quiet”.
Israeli right-wing lawmakers criticize Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s is being criticized by close political allies and right-wing lawmakers for a cease-fire with Hamas, Israeli sources said Friday.
Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the New Hope party, said the deal would seriously harm Israeli deterrence against Hamas and called the agreement “shameful.”
Read more: Pakistan demands international protection force for Palestinians at UNGA session
Former Justice Minister and current MP with Yamina party Ayelet Saked said: “An unconditional cease-fire is embarrassing.”
Refering to Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, she said: “Bringing our boys back home would be victory.”
After 11 days of Israeli aggression, an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire between Hamas and Israel took effect early Friday.
EU, UK welcome cease-fire
The President of the European Council welcomed a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas on Friday.
Welcome announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ending the 11-day conflict.
Opportunity for peace and security for citizens must be seized.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) May 20, 2021
“Welcome announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ending the 11-day conflict,” Charles Michel wrote on Twitter. “Opportunity for peace and security for citizens must be seized.”
Britain said late Thursday that it welcomes a cease-fire in Israel and Gaza.
Welcome news of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. All sides must work to make the ceasefire durable and end the unacceptable cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. UK continues to support efforts to bring about peace.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) May 20, 2021
“Welcome news of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab wrote on Twitter. “All sides must work to make the ceasefire durable and end the unacceptable cycle of violence and loss of civilian life.”
“UK continues to support efforts to bring about peace,” he added.
Israel agreed to a cease-fire with Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza, Israeli media and Hamas officials confirmed late Thursday.
Read more: Israel surrenders, agrees to ceasefire at Gaza
At least 233 Palestinians have been killed, including 65 children and 39 women, and more than 1,700 others injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip that started on May 10, according to Palestinian sources.
Reuters with additional input by GVS News Desk