Palestinians say Gaza ceasefire reached with Israel

Palestinian officials said an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire agreement was reached with Israel on Monday to end a recent surge of violence in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, Reuters reports.

Read: Iran condemns Israel’s attacks killing 18 Palestinians

“The ceasefire understanding will begin Monday 04:30 (01:30 GMT)” a Palestinian official familiar with the agreement told Reuters.

A second Palestinian official confirmed that a deal was reached, as well a TV station belonging to Hamas.

Smoke is seen rising following an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza city [Ibrahim Khalaf/ApaImages]

GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 05 : Anadolu Agency’s Gaza representative Yasser al-Benna (C) speaks during a demonstration as journalists gather in front of the wreckage of the Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in Gaza 05, 2019. Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent in Jerusalem reported. ( Mustafa Hassona – Anadolu Agency )

Anadolu Agency’s Gaza representative Yasser al-Benna (C) speaks during a demonstration as journalists gather in front of the wreckage of the Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in 5 Gaza, 2019 [Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency]

GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 05 : Journalists hold placards during a demonstration to protest Israeli attack towards Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in Gaza 05, 2019. Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent in Jerusalem reported. ( Mustafa Hassona – Anadolu Agency )

GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 05 : Journalists hold placards during a demonstration to protest Israeli attack towards Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in Gaza 05, 2019. Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent in Jerusalem reported. ( Mustafa Hassona – Anadolu Agency )

Journalists hold placards during a demonstration to protest Israel’s attack towards Anadolu Agency’s office in Gaza on 5 May 2019 [Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency]

GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 05 : Journalists hold placards during a demonstration to protest Israeli attack towards Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in Gaza 05, 2019. Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent in Jerusalem reported. ( Mustafa Hassona – Anadolu Agency )

GAZA CITY, GAZA – MAY 05 : Journalists hold placards during a demonstration to protest Israeli attack towards Anadolu Agency’s office after it was hit by Israeli warplanes’ in Gaza 05, 2019. Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots, Anadolu Agency’s correspondent in Jerusalem reported. ( Mustafa Hassona – Anadolu Agency )