Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday have agreed to a ceasefire, after 11 days of violent conflict that left hundreds dead, most of them Palestinians. The truce signals an end to the immediate bloodshed but leaves both sides further apart than ever.
United States president Joe Biden pledged to salve the devastated Gaza. According to the media reports, Israeli aerial bombardment of the densely populated Gaza strip has killed 243 Palestinians, including 66 children, wounded more than 1,900, and damaged critical infrastructure and thousands of homes.
In Israel, 12 people were killed and hundreds treated for injuries in rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militant group Hamas caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters.
World Leaders Hail The Truce
World leaders hail the ceasefire that took hold in the early hours of Friday morning and vowed to help rebuild Gaza.
The United Nations secretary-general urged Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers to observe the ceasefire and called on global leaders to develop a reconstruction package “that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions”.
I welcome the ceasefire between Gaza & Israel, after days of deadly hostilities.
All sides must observe this ceasefire.
Israeli & Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. pic.twitter.com/VQHQMpadY8
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 21, 2021
I believe that Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live in safety and security and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy.
My Administration will continue our quiet and relentless diplomacy toward that end. pic.twitter.com/mXe39TyVMz
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 20, 2021
I welcome news of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Leaders in the region must now work to find a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that prevents terrorism, ends the cycle of violence and delivers a sustainable and just peace.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 21, 2021
