So far 230 people have died in the Israel-Palestine/Hamas war. These include women and children.
After a 12-day war, Israel and Palestine have finally agreed to a ceasefire. Hamas also confirmed it at around 2 pm (according to Indian time) on Thursday-Friday.
So far 230 people have died in this war. These include women and children. Most of the casualties and loss of life and property has been recorded in the Gaza Strip. About 220 people died here. Hamas has been carrying out rocket attacks on Israel till now from Gaza. The latest development comes just three days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire.
What did Israel say?
A statement was issued by Israel, confirming the ceasefire. “Cabinet meeting was held on security matters. It was also attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Internal Security and the Chief of the Intelligence Agency, Mossad. It discussed the Egyptian proposal to stop the ongoing conflict with Hamas. No conditions are placed for the ceasefire. Both sides agree on this,” the statement read. The ceasefire starts Friday. However, timing of the ceasefire will be announced later.
On the other hand, Hamas also issued a very short statement confirming agreement for ceasefire.
to accept the Egyptian initiative for a mutual ceasefire without pre-conditions, to take effect at a time to be determined.
The IDF Chief-of-Staff, the military and the head of the ISA briefed ministers on Israel's significant achievements in the operation, (2/3)
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 20, 2021
According to the report, Hamas also fired 70 rockets on Israel on Thursday, although Israel’s air defense system did not let a single rocket fall on its ground. Israel has destroyed more than 1 thousand targets of the Gaza Strip. Now only debris can be seen here.
Hamas has fired more than three thousand rockets on Israel so far. In response, the Israeli Airforce attacks have transformed the Gaza Strip into a pile of rubble. For two days, there were signs of de-escalation of war. US President Joe Biden also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
American diplomats also contacted Hamas this time through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The New York Times had earlier quoted Israeli officials as saying that a ceasefire could be announced on Friday or Saturday.
Gaza Turns Into A Pile of Rubble
Hamas has its base in Gaza, Palestine. Here, it has built hundreds of tunnels over the years. After rocket attacks, the militants use it as their hideout. However, in this war that took place 7 years later, Israel destroyed most of these tunnels. But it was not only the tunnels, the Israeli attacks have also destroyed hundreds of residential complexes, buildings turning them into a pile of rubble. There is neither electricity nor water nor hospital in Gaza at this time.
"If there is hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza today."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict, as he appeals "to all parties to cease hostilities now". pic.twitter.com/0tNFNu2dvJ
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 20, 2021
Gaza is now hell on earth for children
Before the announcement of the ceasefire, UN Chief Antonio Guterres said in an emotional statement on Thursday that Gaza has become a hell for children on this earth. The UN chief also appealed Israel to stop its action in the Gaza Strip. Guterres said this in the General Assembly of 193 members. He said, “Gaza has suffered a lot in the war. Basic systems have been destroyed. Let alone the health facilities there, the supply of electricity and water has also come to a standstill.”
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