GAZA, May 21 — A "mutual and simultaneous" cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect at 2am Friday (2300GMT Thursday).
Anadolu Agency reported the Israeli Security Cabinet had voted to end attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip that began May 10 and accept the cease-fire, according to media reports.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri also confirmed the cease-fire deal.
Israeli warplanes continued to attack the Gaza Strip just one hour before the truce, the report said.
The armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement fired rockets at regions around Gaza in retaliation for the attacks.
A total of 232 Palestinians, including 65 children and 39 women, were killed during Israeli attacks on Gaza since May 10.
In WASHINGTON, Anadolu Agency also reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had welcomed a cease-fire between Gaza and Israel, and urged all sides to observe the truce.
The Egyptian-brokered cease-fire comes after 11 days of Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip.
During a media stakeout, the UN chief appealed to the international community to work with the UN on "developing an integrated, robust package of support for a swift, sustainable reconstruction and recovery that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.
"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," said Guterres.
"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," he added.
The UN will work with Israelis and Palestinians, and international and regional partners, including through the Middle East Quartet, "to return to the path of meaningful negotiations to end the occupation and allow for the realisation of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, UN resolutions, international law and mutual agreements," said Guterres.
The Quartet is made up of the UN, US, EU and Russia.
— Bernama
