Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire

What's the story?

• Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, ending a bloody 11-day conflict that devastated the Gaza Strip, which had been launching rockets at Jerusalem.
• Among growing bloodshed, President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to seek de-escalation, while Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations sought to mediate. The truce, brokered by Egypt, is expected to commence at 2 a.m. local time on Friday.
• The Palestinian Health Ministry said Thursday that 232 people have been killed in Gaza, including 65 children. Israeli's military said 130 of those killed were combatants. At least 12 people, including two children, have been killed by Palestinian militant fire from Gaza.
• Netanyahu's office said his security cabinet had voted unanimously in favor of the "mutual and unconditional" Gaza truce proposed by Cairo, but added that the timing was still being negotiated.
• Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed the ceasefire in statements to various media outlets, telling Reuters:

“The Palestinian resistance will abide by this agreement as long as the Occupation (Israel) does the same."

-Josh Herman