The Palestinian stands in the ruins of his home. Photo:PA
The World Daily | News Desk MAY 20th 2021
I expect Israel and the Palestinian side to reach a ceasefire in a day or two, a high-ranking Hamas official was quoted by Reuters said Wednesday. According to Egyptian sources, details are still being negotiated and the deal is kept secret.
"I think the ongoing ceasefire efforts will be successful," Hamas senior political official Moussa Abu Marzouk said in an interview with Lebanese TV al-Mayadeen. He added that "the ceasefire will be reached within a day or two and the ceasefire will be based on mutual agreement," he added.
US President Joe Biden in Wednesday's conversation with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the expectation that on Wednesday there will be a "serious de-escalation" in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the White House informed.
The Reuters Agency reports, citing a source in Egyptian security forces, that both sides in the conflict generally agreed to a ceasefire after mediated talks, although details are still being negotiated and the deal is kept secret. Moreover, it is publicly denied in order not to end the agreement.
Qatar-based Saudi Arabia's Al-Jazeera station reported that the UN envoy for Middle East Peace Tor Wennesland was meeting in Qatar with Hamas chief Ismail Haniye.
However, the fighting that broke out 11 days ago continues.
Israel is also being attacked from Lebanon. Four rockets were launched into Israel's territory from northern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israeli army said. There are no reports of casualties or damage. Israel responded with fire from positions in southern Lebanon from which missiles were fired.
According to the Israeli Armed Forces, one rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome air defence system, one landed in an open field without harming anyone, and two fell into the sea. Sirens warning of the attack wailed in cities in the north of Israel, including Akka, Schenyaram and around Haifa.
