14 Nov 2019

Israel-Gaza 'ceasefire begins' after two days of fighting

7:17 pm on 14 November 2019

A ceasefire has come into effect after two days of fighting between Israel and militants in Gaza, Egyptian, militant sources say.

Israeli missile launched from the Iron Dome defence missile system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells, is seen above Gaza city on November 13, 2019. (Photo by MAHMUD HAMS / AFP)

The reported ceasefire follows two days of voilence. Photo: AFP

The cross-border violence began after an Israeli air strike killed a commander from the militant group.

Israel has not confirmed the ceasefire.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says 32 Palestinians were killed by heavy Israeli bombing.

A spokesman for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) told the BBC the ceasefire came into effect at 05:30 local time.

A senior Egyptian official told AFP news agency the ceasefire agreement came "as a result of Egypt's efforts".

Apart from a lone rocket launch witnessed by a Reuters correspondent, Gaza appeared to have fallen mostly silent at the hour cited by Islamic Jihad, with the quiet holding past sunrise.

However, the Israel Defense Forces said there were still warnings 90 minutes later.

- BBC