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The Egypt-brokered ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza strip, ending 11 days of conflict and disproportionate Israeli punishment of Palestinians.
Thousands of people in Gaza and the Palestinian territories poured onto the streets to celebrate the ceasefire, waving flags and flashing “V” signs for victory.
At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, were killed in the Israeli bombardment.
On the Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, lost their lives.
Celebrations of the ceasefire began in Gaza almost immediately after it was announced. Hamas claimed victory, and people took to the streets.
The international community hailed the good news.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commented on the development.
“I stress that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi:
“With utter happiness, I have received a phone call from President Biden in which we have exchanged visions around reaching a formula that would calm the current conflict between Israel and Gaza, our vision was in tune about managing the conflict between all parties with diplomacy.”
European Council President Charles Michel:
https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1395488048599773186?s=20
Matthias Schmale, UNRWA Gaza director:
https://twitter.com/matzschmale/status/1395575252009226242?s=20
Tor Wennesland, UN Middle East peace envoy:
https://twitter.com/TWennesland/status/1395520618167259148?s=20
Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement hailed a “historic victory” for the Palestinians after the ceasefire took effect between Israel and Gaza’s armed groups following 11 days of fighting.
“Hezbollah congratulates the heroic Palestinian people and its valiant resistance on the historic victory achieved … against the Zionist enemy,” it said in a statement.
US President Joe Biden hailed the development, vowing to continue working with the international community to support the people in Gaza.
The US support this time was expressed in approving a $735 million weapons sale to Israel, as well as blocking a UN statement calling for a ceasefire not once, but four times.
“We remain committed to work with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people in Gaza and in the Gaza reconstruction efforts.”
“I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy.”
“My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that end. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I am committed to working for it.”
US MSM is attempting to save Biden’s honor by claiming that he is supportive in front of the cameras, but behind the scenes he was stern with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The truthfulness of that is quite suspicious and it is likely entirely fabricated, but it comes down to speculation.
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