Egypt has brokered a ceasefire between Palestinian militants and Israel. According to Palestinian officials and Egyptian media, the ceasefire will be in effect from 10 p.m. local time.
“The two sides will abide by the ceasefire once it comes into effect. That means an end to attacking civilians, demolition of homes and an end to attacking individuals,” said a statement read by Reuters news agency.
Palestinian militants and Israel have been firing rockets at each other for five days. Dozens of people were killed, mainly on the Palestinian side. Civilians were also among the dead. The Israeli military has launched attacks on hundreds of targets in the Gaza Strip. Israel claimed on Friday that more than 600 rockets have been fired from Gaza since Wednesday, nearly 200 of which were intercepted.
Neighboring Egypt has already announced that it wants to mediate in the conflict. Concerned sources told AFP news agency on Friday that Egypt had begun to de-escalate in the mediation. Cairo has urged both sides to abide by the ceasefire, according to Egypt’s al-Qahera news channel.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement has confirmed the ceasefire. Israel has not yet responded. The country rarely responds to agreements with Palestinian militant movements.