Hamas and Israel Enter Truce After 11 Dark Days of War

Truce between Hamas and Israel...learn more...

Friday, 21st May 2021

The 11- day long conflict between Hamas and Israel finally saw its back on Friday as thousands of people in Gaza City were seen celebrating after a ceasefire was put into effect.

“This is the euphoria of victory,” said Khalil al-Hayya, the second most senior member of the Islamist movement’s political bureau in the Gaza Strip. Al – Hayya also gave his word to help rebuild houses that were destroyed by Israeli air strikes.

The Egyptian–brokered ceasefire, was agreed to on Thursday and brought to effect on Friday after coercion from the international front to terminate the incessant bloodshed that began earlier this month.

Right through the conflict, the Hamas and other Islamist armed groups in Gaza have fired more than 4,300 rockets towards Israel since shelling began according to the Israeli army. However, the major portion of these attacks that were targeted at the most populated areas, were warded off by its Iron Dome air defences.

12 people in Israel succumbed to these rocket attacks. These included two children and one soldier from the Israeli army. As per the police, among those killed were also one Indian and two Thai nationals.

Israel, on their part, retaliated with airstrikes that led to massive casualties in the Gaza Strip and sustained strike on Gaza by Israel since May 10 have led to the deaths of 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, along with fighters. The number of wounded have surpassed 1,900, according to data by the Gaza health ministry.

As per Hamas authorities, vast expanses have been reduced to rubble and nearly 120,000 people have been displaced.

A healthcare system already tottering under the vagaries of Covid-19 pandemic, in Gaza, Israeli raids have made the situation worse. There have been reports of power outages and health officials in Gaza are making urgent appeals for supplies.

The extended violence between the two sides had raised international concerns with countries pressing for an immediate ceasefire. US President Joe Biden had expressed support for a ceasefire after the violence continued even after a week.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said the current hostilities are “utterly appalling.”

On May 16, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sissi issued a statement calling for a ‘cessation of all violence and hostilities.’ He also said two delegations would be sent to monitor the ceasefire with each side standing in readiness against any truce violation by the other.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

NDTV