The General Authority for Crossings and Borders announced today, Sunday, the reopening of the Israeli crossings for the Gaza Strip, following the statements from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides that Israel and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Gaza have reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by Egypt last night, Saturday. This agreement, if adhered to, would end the worst cross-border conflict since the ten-day war in 2021.
The text of the agreement between Israel and the Palestinians stated, "Based on the agreement of both parties, Egypt declares a ceasefire between the Palestinian and Israeli sides at exactly ten o'clock on Saturday night (yesterday)." It added, "Accordingly, the ceasefire agreement will be adhered to, which includes stopping the targeting of civilians and the demolition of homes, as well as targeting individuals immediately upon the commencement of the ceasefire."
The text concluded by saying, "Egypt urges both parties to implement the agreement and will follow up by communicating with them."
An announcement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli National Security Adviser thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for Cairo's efforts. The announcement added, "Calm will be met with calm, and if Israel is attacked or threatened, it will continue to do what is necessary to defend itself."
The Islamic Jihad Movement confirmed the agreement. Spokesman Daoud Shihab said, "We announce our acceptance of the Egyptian declaration and we are committed to it as long as the occupation adheres to it." He added, "Our acceptance came after we received a commitment to cease assassinations and stop targeting homes and civilians."
The Palestine Liberation Organization welcomed the agreement. Hussein Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said, "We welcome the ceasefire agreement and the cessation of aggression against Gaza. We extend our deep gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt for its significant role and great effort in reaching this agreement, and we thank all brothers and international parties that contributed to achieving this agreement."
Even while the details of the agreement were being finalized, both sides continued to exchange fire, and sirens were still sounding in southern Israel, with the Israeli army announcing it had bombed targets belonging to the Islamic Jihad Movement in response to rocket fire.
With the ceasefire, the streets of Gaza, which had been largely deserted, filled with Palestinians. Some cheered and honked their car horns while others went to homes of those who had died to offer condolences.
Despite their happiness at news of the truce, some expressed concern over the possibility of renewed fighting after some time. A local resident named Munir Ma'aruf (43) stated that it was essential for the ceasefire to be based on principles and not on past occurrences.
**Reopening Crossings with the Gaza Strip **
The General Authority for Crossings and Borders announced today, Sunday, the reopening of the Israeli crossings for the Gaza Strip after five days of closure amid the Israeli assault on the area.
Ghasan Alean, the Coordinator of Israeli Government Activities in the West Bank, stated in a brief announcement, "The crossings with the Gaza Strip are being reopened gradually, with the Erez crossing opening at eight o'clock in the morning and then the Karem Abu Salim crossing at eleven in the morning," noting the "opening of the maritime area, with all restrictions to be lifted according to assessments."
**Military Operation**
Israel began its latest round of airstrikes in the early hours of last Tuesday, announcing that it was targeting leaders of the Islamic Jihad Movement who had planned attacks in Israel.
In response, the Iranian-backed movement launched over a thousand rockets, forcing one and a half million Israelis to take shelter.
During the five days of the campaign, Israel killed six senior leaders of Islamic Jihad and destroyed several military facilities; however, the airstrikes also resulted in the deaths of at least ten civilians, including women and children in Gaza.
Two people were killed in Israel, an Israeli woman and a Palestinian worker, as a result of the rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.
