Rockets are launched toward Israel from the Gaza Strip early on May 12, 2021. (Photo/JTA-Abed Rahim Khatib-Flash90) News Israel Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire after 11 days of bloodshed Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By Gabe Friedman, JTA | May 20, 2021 After 11 days of fighting, Israel and Hamas agreed to a “mutual and simultaneous” ceasefire on Thursday that will begin at 2 a.m. Friday Israel time. Israel’s security cabinet unanimously approved the move, according to reports, after military officials presented what they deemed the successful outcomes of their campaign. “Hamas is deterred and suffered serious blows,” one official said, according to The Times of Israel. A Hamas official confirmed the news to Reuters on Thursday. President Joe Biden had added to the international pressure on Wednesday, stating on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expected “de-escalation” within a day. About 230 Gazans and 12 Israelis have died in the exchange of fire that began on May 9 with Hamas launching rockets into Israel. Gabe Friedman Gabe Friedman is deputy managing editor at the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. JTA Content distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. Also On J. Film At SF DocFest, secrets from a Jewish mother’s hippie past Northern California Darrell Steinberg will not seek third term as Sacramento mayor Opinion The Sassoons are having a moment. Here’s why that matters. Art Welcome to this elderly couple's floating art-filled Berkeley home Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up