Both Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Both parties have stopped shooting and bombing since 22.30 (Dutch time) on Sunday evening.
Earlier in the day, Egyptian mediators reported that they had found Israel ready for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. There was initially no confirmation from the Palestinian side.
Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian group fighting Israel, has also confirmed it will lay down its arms. Gaza is ruled by Hamas, but Islamist Jihad also has a large presence there.
Israel has been conducting airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip since Friday. With the five victims today, the death toll would have risen to 41. At least 15 children are among them, according to the ministry, which also reports 311 injuries. From the Gaza Strip, members of Islamic Jihad in turn shell Israeli territory with rockets.
Further details about the deal have not yet been officially announced. Islamic Jihad says Egypt will push for the release of two recently captured members of the group, including commander Bassem Al Saadi. After their arrests, the conflict escalated this week.
Egypt is more likely to mediate when tensions flare up between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The country is also complicit in the total isolation of the population of the strip by generally keeping the six-mile border between Egypt and the strip closed.