Gaza celebrates cease-fire as Israel and Hamas reach truce agreement

A truce agreed on Wednesday night means Gaza can look to recovering after a week of violent fighting

15:12 22 November 2012

PUBLISHED 15:45 21 November 2012 Update 22 November 2012

 

Celebrations are underway in Gaza after Israel and Hamas agreed to end their fighting against each other on Wednesdaynight. Following on from previous peace talks this week, the two sides have now agreed a truce.

 

Crowds of people flock the streets in the Gaza Strip which has been under heavy fire over. The announcement was made in Cairo with the likes of international bodies from places such as the US, as well as the United Nations, having played a part in reaching the agreement.

 

It is hoped that the peace will remain, and leaders from both sides are expected to discuss border arrangements for the future.

 

This puts an end to eight days of struggles in the area, which some are viewing as being the bloodiest fighting in recent years. The conflict has resulted in the death of at least 160 Palestinians and five Israelis, with over 70 civilians reportedly having lost their lives.

 

Prior to the ceasefire being announced, attacks were in full-flow and it is thought the Palestinians were hoping for an early end to the violence.

 

Strikes between Israel and Gaza renewed after a truce was not reached on Tuesday. Both Israel, in Gaza, and Hamas with their rocket attacks, struggled against each other on Tuesday night. According to reports, Israeli militants attacked overnight with Gaza militants firing rockets.

 

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, was located in the region regarding the issue of reaching a ceasefire.

 

The violence follows an Israeli attack where military chief of Hama, Ahmed al-Jaabari, was killed in a strike on a car in Gaza City on Wednesday 14^th November, 2012.

 

The last invasion of Gaza was four years ago, with many civilians having to rebuild their homes as a result of the fighting that took place.