Egypt-Brokered Cease-Fire Brings Relief to Gaza and Israel After Five Days of Intense Fighting

After five days of intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire has been agreed to by both sides. The cease-fire was announced to take effect at 10 p.m. local time on Saturday.

The fighting, which began on Monday, has resulted in the deaths of 33 Palestinians, including at least 13 civilians, and two people in Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis and more than two million people in Gaza had been largely confined to bomb shelters during the conflict.

Late Saturday, Israel reported additional incoming fire and said it was again striking in Gaza. Cairo called on all sides to adhere to the agreement, Egypt’s Al-Qahera News television channel reported.

The cease-fire was mediated by Egypt and will start at 10 p.m. local time. A last-minute burst of rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes stretched several minutes past the deadline announced by Egypt.

The agreement brings a sense of relief to the people of Gaza and Israel, who have been living in fear of further violence. It remains to be seen how long the cease-fire will last, and whether it will bring a lasting peace to the region.