Israel and Hamas have announced a ceasefire, ending an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill. An official from the Palestinian militant Hamas group says Israel’s declaration of a ceasefire represents a defeat for Mr Netanyahu and “a victory to the Palestinian people”. Hamas and the militant group Islamic Jihad said at least 20 of their fighters were killed, while Israel said the number was at least 130. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)Twelve people in Israel, including a five-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a soldier, were also killed. Israel considers Hamas, an Islamic militant group that seeks its destruction, to be a terrorist group and Hamas’ government is not internationally recognized.

Source: Irish Examiner May 20, 2021 19:28 UTC