An Egypt-brokered ceasefire came into effect on Friday between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement, ending 11-day bloodshed in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire came into force at 2 a.m., reports Xinhua news agency.
According to Egypt's official MENA news agency, Cairo will send two security delegations to Israel and Palestine to ensure the implementation of the truce.
The heaviest fighting between Israel and the Gaza militants since 2014 has so far killed 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, and 12 Israelis.
After mediation by Egypt, Israel's Cabinet approved the unilateral ceasefire late on Thursday, with a Hamas representative confirming the Islamist organisation's agreement shortly afterwards.
Taher al-Nuno said the Palestinian "armed resistance" would honour the ceasefire as long as it is upheld by the Israel side.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's political leadership has stressed that the reality on the ground will determine whether fighting continues.
If the Palestinians continue with rocket attacks, the ceasefire will be lifted immediately, he added.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and called on all sides to observe it.
Israeli forces and Gaza Strip militants have fired thousands of missiles back and forth since May 10, in response to the rockets fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza to retaliate for Israel's violation of the sacred Islamic holy site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces, the Palestinian side fired some 4,070 rockets towards the Jewish state. But over 90 per cent of the rockets heading toward populated areas were intercepted by the Israel's Iron Dome. About a third fell inside the Gaza Strip.
In response, Israeli fighter jets kept carrying out intensive airstrikes on buildings and infrastructure in the besieged enclave.
The news of the ceasefire has spread a cheer across the world. Several pictures and videos have surfaced on social media wherein people across Gaza can be seen welcoming and celebrating the ceasefire.
However, many are worried about how long will this last. Also, a lot of people have emphasised that even though the ceasefire is welcome, it's not a permanent solution.
Here are some of the reactions to the Israel-Palestine ceasefire. Have a look.
