HAMAS TO HONOR TRUCE IF ISRAEL STICKS TO IT

Thu 20 May 2021:

Hamas will abide by the ceasefire if Israel adheres to it, Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nono told journalists.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli security cabinet unanimously adopted Egypt’s initiative for a bilateral unconditional ceasefire, which would take effect later.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday to halt 11 days of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the Security Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal after recommendations from the military chief of staff and other top defense officials. The statement boasted of “significant achievements in the operation, some of which are unprecedented” and included a veiled threat against Hamas.

“The political leaders emphasized that the reality on the ground will determine the future of the campaign,” the statement said.

Taher Nounou, a Hamas official, confirmed the deal. “The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed,” he said.

Egypt’s state-run MENA news agency said the truce would take effect at 2 a.m., roughly three hours after the announcement.

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad then confirmed the ceasefire in a statement, saying it would come into force at 2:00am on Friday (23:00 GMT on Thursday).

Netanyahu’s office said the two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect.

At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed in 11 days of Israeli bombardment.

On the Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, have been killed.