Gaza/Israel
Ceasefire
The ceasefire was announced on 21st November in
Cairo by Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr and US Secretary of State
Hilary Clinton. The ceasefire took effect at 19:00 GMT. The announcement
finally came after 8 days of bloodshed which left over 140 Palestinians and 5
Israelis dead. Just prior to the ceasefire taking effect, there was a brief
shower of rocket fire and air strikes from both sides.
According to the BBC,
rockets have been fired from Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect but the
rockets either landed in open areas or were shot down by the Iron Dome Defence
system. Israel has not responded. Both sides have claimed that they will
retaliate if either side breaks the truce. Although life in Gaza and Southern
Israel is slowly returning to normal, serious doubts and concerns remain on
both sides that the ceasefire will last. Meanwhile according to Reuters, Israel’s
forces have arrested 55 suspected Palestinian militants including “senior
operatives”.
Details of the
Egyptian brokered Ceasefire Deal
- Israel must end all land, air and sea hostilities on Gaza. This includes incursions and targeting individuals.
- All Palestinian factions
in Gaza to end all hostilities against Israel, including rocket and border
attacks.
- Following a 24 hour
cooling-off period after the start of the ceasefire, talks must begin on
opening crossings into Gaza and allowing the free movement of goods and
people.
- Both sides are to assure
Egypt that they will abide by the ceasefire deal and to follow up on any
reports if there have been any breach of the deal.
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