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Israel, Hamas declare cease-fire after 11 days of fighting  

Israel’s Security Cabinet unanimously approved an Egyptian cease-fire proposal on the 11th day of conflict with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip that has left more than 200 people dead.

Palestinians inspect damage to buildings in Gaza City on May 20, 2021 in Gaza City, Gaza.
Palestinians inspect damage to buildings in Gaza City on May 20, 2021, in Gaza City, Gaza. — Fatima Shbair/Getty Images

Israel’s Security Cabinet unanimously approved an Egyptian cease-fire proposal Thursday on the 11th day of conflict with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip that has left more than 200 people dead. 

Israeli media reports said the cease-fire will begin at 2 a.m. Friday, about four hours after the announcement.  

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that has fired thousands of rockets into Israel since fighting broke out May 10, confirmed the cease-fire. 

On Wednesday, Hamas deputy political chief Mousa Abu Marzouq emphasized the halt would be a stoppage of firing, not a truce. Strikes on both sides are likely to continue until the cease-fire takes effect. 

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