Jerusalem - Hamas And Israel Agree To Ceasefire; Obama Commends Netanyahu |
Last updated on: November 21, 2012 02:00 PM
Soldiers mourn near the grave of Yosef Nachman Partok during his funeral in Jerusalem, Israel, 21 November 2012. Partok was killed on 20 November when a mortar fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip exploded in southern Israel. EPA/MIHAL FATTAL Jerusalem - Egypt announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire had been reached to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, starting later in the day.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr made the announcement in a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The ceasefire would come into effect at 1900 GMT, Amr said.
“These efforts ... have resulted in understandings to cease fire and restore calm and halt the bloodshed that the last period has seen,” Amr said.
Israeli sources said Israel had agreed to a truce, but would not lift its blockade of the Palestinian territory, which is run by the Islamist Hamas movement.
All the sources declined to be named or to give further details of the arrangements hammered out in Cairo.
In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal, saying he had agreed after consulting with President Barack Obama to give a ceasefire with Hamas militants a chance, his office said in a statement.
“The president expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s efforts to work with the new Egyptian government to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and a more durable solution to this problem,” a White House statement said.
Obama reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security and also said he was committed to seeking funds for joint missile defense programs.
Israel’s best-selling Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported an emerging outline of a ceasefire agreement that called for Egypt to announce a 72-hour ceasefire followed by further talks on long-term understandings.
Under the proposed document, which the newspaper said neither party would be required to sign, Israel would hold its fire, end attacks against top militants.
Hamas, the report said, would pledge not to strike any Israeli target and ensure other Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip also stop their attacks.
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Read Comments (50) — Post Yours »
1
Nov 21, 2012 at 11:57 AM Reb Yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
Excellent. Terrorism wins again.
2
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:12 PM MTL Says:Report as Inappropriate
Really? Seriously??!!
Didn't they learn EVERY OTHER time about unilateral retreats and depending on the "good" word of the terrorists that they'll stop bombing us?????
3
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:16 PM Teddybear Says:Report as Inappropriate
Again not finishing the Job . No good , from the other side VI Laang es Iz shtil Iz ohch git nisht doo kaan yidishe kurbunes
4
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:26 PM Liepa Says:Report as Inappropriate
Pretty dumb, for how long will hamas hold its fire, a day, a week?
5
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:45 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The nausea from reading about the civilians injured or killed in Gaza is extreme. The media makes it sound as if the Israelis are barbaric and indiscriminate. But this same media refuses to portray the extremes that Israel has taken to avoid civilian casualties. There is no moral equivalency to the efforts of Hamas and the rest of the savages that only want to inflict more terror and civilian casualities. Such media reports are infuriating.
An outsider, I have zero faith in the cease fire. It suggests a commitment by an Arab/Muslim entity, and there has never been a single commitment they have ever made and followed. They are inhuman savages who are simply bloodthirsty, and they should have never been regarded as a partner to "negotiate". May every last terrorist experience the worst and most torturous demise.
6
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:46 PM Rachel W. Says:Report as Inappropriate
No one wins, except Iran who has had world attention diverted from its nuclear agenda which it pursues with impunity. And who but Iran has been supplying Hamas with the means to plague Israel on a continuous basis? Think either of them will stop their tyranny against a people they unabashedly profess to despise? Fat chance. Heaven help us all!
7
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:51 PM VeyIzMir Says:Report as Inappropriate
Face it. We're going to have to start this all over again soon.
Those who tend to ignore history, are condemned to repeat it.
8
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:52 PM MTL Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Pretty dumb, for how long will hamas hold its fire, a day, a week? ”
With their record, probably not even 2 hours...
9
Nov 21, 2012 at 12:53 PM sane Says:Report as Inappropriate
We had Hamas on the ropes. The command and control structure was dealt a sever blow. Iron Dome was working. A ground invasion was in order. Now, they will be better prepared next time and perhaps, develop technologies that bypass Iron Dome..
10
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
this giving in to Obama will bring down the Netayahu government and will be replaced by true jewish leaders that can make decisions without pressure. this ceasfire is just a rebuilding of more weapons from iran, now that hamas learned about israels iron dome they will get new weapons that will make the iron dome obsolete. you dont make peace or ceasefires with terrorists u have to wipe them out.
11
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:04 PM Buchwalter Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Excellent. Terrorism wins again. ”
why don't you get on the 1st available plane flying to E.Y. and join the IDF, I am sure you are eager to put on an IDF uniform
12
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:05 PM Vasserman Says:Report as Inappropriate
Please let us have a ceasefire. We are out of bullets and missiles and need to reload and replenish. How does 72 hours sound?
13
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:06 PM Yawvous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I think it is unfortunate that world leaders see that Israel is directed by a leader without a backbone. He becomes silly putty in their eyes and the eyes of the arabs as well. They needed a good work over before even considering stopping the invasion. All those here commented at the start of the bombing that Israel now must go in and beat them to a pulp. Unfortunate that the citizens here will be victims of foreign politics decisions.
14
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:11 PM Moshe10 Says:Report as Inappropriate
If Hamas "agrees" not to fire on israel and israel will not give up the blocade, than its a win for israel
15
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:19 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Well, until they bomb us again!!!!!!!!
16
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:22 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ We had Hamas on the ropes. The command and control structure was dealt a sever blow. Iron Dome was working. A ground invasion was in order. Now, they will be better prepared next time and perhaps, develop technologies that bypass Iron Dome.. ”
ARM CHAIR HERO and you would have in the first assault troops or just a big mouth
17
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:27 PM a-simple-jew Says:Report as Inappropriate
There is no nation who knows how to "snatch defeat from the arms of victory" better than the Israelis.
18
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:34 PM chosid Says:Report as Inappropriate
Why is eretz yisroel cursed with such inept leadership?
19
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:37 PM M1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Israel has a half an hour to finish off what they started
20
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:48 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Please let us have a ceasefire. We are out of bullets and missiles and need to reload and replenish. How does 72 hours sound? ”
You got it, Vasserman! Except they've been throwing everything they can at us before the deadline. B"H, it won't last the night.
21
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:48 PM Adam_Neira Says:Report as Inappropriate
Prayers for the Holy Land and Middle East in the coming hours and days. Take note all...Violence is not innate.
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
- Malachi 4:6
Barukh Aatah Adonai...
להחזיר אותנו בעצה הטובה שלך שמתפשטת סוכת שלום עלינו
ייתכן שאתה להתפשט החופה של שלום ירושלים ארץ הקודש, כל האנושות.
22
Nov 21, 2012 at 01:54 PM UriLevi Says:Report as Inappropriate
The world had enough of the victorious Jews from 1967 and is preventing us from delivery a final death blow to the evil terrorists The international community can only let Jews be victims. Galus...
23
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:05 PM Reb Yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ why don't you get on the 1st available plane flying to E.Y. and join the IDF, I am sure you are eager to put on an IDF uniform ”
Why, so I can be a pawn in the govt's appeasing of terrorism? I don't think so.
24
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:07 PM Reb Yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
Maybe by sucking up to Obama Israel will get something out of it, like some more weapons or Iron Dome supplies, or better backing in the UN. Who knows.
25
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:16 PM mordy11 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Thanks God that our brothers in Israel who don't adhere to his Torah stooped the aggression against his name, and puled back from Gaza.
26
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:18 PM Robert Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ There is no nation who knows how to "snatch defeat from the arms of victory" better than the Israelis. ”
i think they won
if the rockets stop and the gazans stew in their filth, israel won
until you send your son to fight or you yourself go; i do not think yu are even entitled to an opinion
27
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM Robert Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Why is eretz yisroel cursed with such inept leadership? ”
becauise a chosid like YOU does not go to live there and affect the political process
it is really your fault mr chosid
28
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:20 PM k9hara Says:Report as Inappropriate
The headline should have read "Jerusalem - Israel Agrees To Ceasefire for the 6,789,943,876,456,821st Time; Hamas Agrees to Resupply Time"
29
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:20 PM Robert Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Why, so I can be a pawn in the govt's appeasing of terrorism? I don't think so. ”
i agree
i dont think you would do anything here or in israel
30
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:36 PM MTL Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Pretty dumb, for how long will hamas hold its fire, a day, a week? ”
OK, I was wrong. They made it 6 whole minutes before firing again.
31
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:39 PM A jew Says:Report as Inappropriate
Sadly to say but this site has so many neo nazi like comments. Kill them all, blow them up. R u guys crazy we r talking about millions of human beings. Not cattle. You guys sound like Hitler.
32
Nov 21, 2012 at 03:23 PM savtat Says:Report as Inappropriate
Do you think that IDF casualties are of no import? Maybe the truce will hold. Netanyahu served in Sayeret Matkal. He is a hero. Time to daven maybe even say the tefilla for Tzahal.
33
Nov 21, 2012 at 03:27 PM Ari Says:Report as Inappropriate
Bibi just pressed the snoooze button, same like 4 years ago. The alarm tends to go off again when hitting snooze.
34
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:08 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
for those who have a short memory, four years ago we wnet in with ghround trops to "finish" the job and we still are where are today except with the enormous amount of Israeli deaths.
So unless you can describe what finishing the job realistically looks like. Shut up
35
Nov 21, 2012 at 02:46 PM excuse us for having an opinion! Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ ARM CHAIR HERO and you would have in the first assault troops or just a big mouth ”
I happen to agree with # 's 9, #6,#1 and almost everybody else that thinks this is a mistake. The only winner here is Iran and to a lesser degree Egypt. Anybody with even a modicum of intelligece can see that it won't be long before Iran rearms these monsters, and they start the whole cycle over again. As far as voicing an opinion is concerned, while I agree that it is a lot easier to voice an opinion from the comfort of the USA, however, we all have a horse in this race, and are perfectly within our rights in giving voice to our opinions. We certainly havn't noticed you being shy about voicing your opinions
I might add that one has to feel for Bibi. It appears that he would have liked to finish the job, but is having his arm twisted to agree to cease fire.
36
Nov 21, 2012 at 03:34 PM nathan123 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ why don't you get on the 1st available plane flying to E.Y. and join the IDF, I am sure you are eager to put on an IDF uniform ”
I am sure many do but the IDF clearly has it hands tied by inept poor political leadership.
37
Nov 21, 2012 at 03:44 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
I am aghast when I red "We" were ready to this and that when none of you ever fought in combat, ever saw a battle and too coward to hold a gun and only fight for you is for kugel and cholent , yes reload shut up
38
Nov 21, 2012 at 04:43 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Why is eretz yisroel cursed with such inept leadership? ”
Inept , inept people, full of hot air elect inept leadership. The fact is more chilonim are fighting than the " yeshiva leit"
39
Nov 21, 2012 at 04:47 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I am aghast when I red "We" were ready to this and that when none of you ever fought in combat, ever saw a battle and too coward to hold a gun and only fight for you is for kugel and cholent , yes reload shut up ”
(1) the word is "read"
(2) I am aware of at least 2 coposters here on vin that were called up.
Once again you Libs will allow us an opinion as long as it's your opinion.
40
Nov 21, 2012 at 05:00 PM common-sense Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Maybe by sucking up to Obama Israel will get something out of it, like some more weapons or Iron Dome supplies, or better backing in the UN. Who knows. ”
Or, more likely, pressure on other fronts, like withdrawing to the 1967 lines, like Obama wants them to.
41
Nov 21, 2012 at 05:03 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Do you think that IDF casualties are of no import? Maybe the truce will hold. Netanyahu served in Sayeret Matkal. He is a hero. Time to daven maybe even say the tefilla for Tzahal. ”
Of course IDF casualties are terrible. However, when Hamas is re-supplied with more sophisiicated weapons, IDF casualties, and civilian casualties, will, Hashem Yerachem, be higher.
42
Nov 21, 2012 at 05:06 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
Yes it is a typo , do you "read" . In 1948 it was the Palmach [ kubbutz artzi] not consrvatives,who secured the galil. Yes "go Bibi" from your Boro PAark or Flatbush, cowards , board a plane and fly to Israel instead of your big mouth in America. The "liberals" never stopped your , it is your cowardness which is a hindrance.
43
Nov 21, 2012 at 05:23 PM common-sense Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ ARM CHAIR HERO and you would have in the first assault troops or just a big mouth ”
Earlier today, residents of Sderot and Kiyat Malachi were demonstrating against the agreement. They are on the front lines. It is easy for you to mock people by calling someone "an arm chair hero." It is just as easy for you to ignore the people in Sderot as it is for "arm chair heroes" to give advice. The fact is that this places the people in Israel, and particularly in the south, at greater risk in the future, and I am afraid the future won't be far off.
44
Nov 21, 2012 at 05:32 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ (1) the word is "read"
(2) I am aware of at least 2 coposters here on vin that were called up.
Once again you Libs will allow us an opinion as long as it's your opinion. ”
You sound like a Rush Limbaugh muppet ruminating premasticated liberal versus conservative trash. Go buy a ticket , board a plane to Israel and voila here I am, but you don't have the guts . It is not a matter of an opinion but a willingness to risk once life, are you willing ???
45
Nov 21, 2012 at 06:25 PM Armchair General Says:Report as Inappropriate
We say cease-fire, they say Hudna.
The difference? One means cease-fire for peace, the other means lull in fighting in order to reorganize and replenish.
We do not speak to same language.
This whole story is emblematic of the fault line that runs through the State of Israel. Nebach.
The Israelis say about the Arabs that they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity for peace...It seems that Israel, unfortunately, has never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity to ensure enduring security. Gains victories, gives back, gives back, gives back. Stands on the threshold of victory, but withdraws before its complete. It really so sad.
To all my Zionists friends, this is why Israel does not equal Redemption. There is no redemption.
46
Nov 21, 2012 at 07:03 PM Shimon Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Or, more likely, pressure on other fronts, like withdrawing to the 1967 lines, like Obama wants them to. ”
I wish all of you would finally stop with the "withdrawing to the 1967 lines like Obama wants them to." First of all, Obama said '67 lines with land swaps -- which is exactly what every president before him has said. Secondly, Israel has already given up most of the land it won in 1967 -- Sinai and Gaza. They also committed themselves, at Oslo in '93 and Camp David in 2000, to give up most of the West Bank. So stop making it seem like they still have the '67 lands and big bad Obama wants to make them give it back.
47
Nov 21, 2012 at 07:34 PM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Earlier today, residents of Sderot and Kiyat Malachi were demonstrating against the agreement. They are on the front lines. It is easy for you to mock people by calling someone "an arm chair hero." It is just as easy for you to ignore the people in Sderot as it is for "arm chair heroes" to give advice. The fact is that this places the people in Israel, and particularly in the south, at greater risk in the future, and I am afraid the future won't be far off. ”
Yes the people of Sdero are in danger but are you willing to volunteer or volunteer others. The future is not far off is correct but Israel does not have human material to sustain the sacrifices which are needed to enter Gaza and "hold"Gaza or you think that they is enough manpower to sustain the sacrifices needed for a ground war.
48
Nov 21, 2012 at 10:28 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ You sound like a Rush Limbaugh muppet ruminating premasticated liberal versus conservative trash. Go buy a ticket , board a plane to Israel and voila here I am, but you don't have the guts . It is not a matter of an opinion but a willingness to risk once life, are you willing ??? ”
spent 2 years in the IDF my ignorant, opinionated friend and still go back every summer for miluim. Any other questions???
PS the word is "ones" not once! use a dictionary or learn to use spell check,
you've got at least one spelling and/or grammer eror in each of your senseless posts
49
Nov 22, 2012 at 08:59 AM Kzler Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ We say cease-fire, they say Hudna.
The difference? One means cease-fire for peace, the other means lull in fighting in order to reorganize and replenish.
We do not speak to same language.
This whole story is emblematic of the fault line that runs through the State of Israel. Nebach.
The Israelis say about the Arabs that they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity for peace...It seems that Israel, unfortunately, has never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity to ensure enduring security. Gains victories, gives back, gives back, gives back. Stands on the threshold of victory, but withdraws before its complete. It really so sad.
To all my Zionists friends, this is why Israel does not equal Redemption. There is no redemption. ”
Not a mensa type of response , frankly a silly low intelligence response. It is extremely sad but I ask you how many of your relatives have or are serving in the IDF and will you put your life on the line or just bluster a big mouth
50
Nov 25, 2012 at 07:25 AM bewhiskered Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I wish all of you would finally stop with the "withdrawing to the 1967 lines like Obama wants them to." First of all, Obama said '67 lines with land swaps -- which is exactly what every president before him has said. Secondly, Israel has already given up most of the land it won in 1967 -- Sinai and Gaza. They also committed themselves, at Oslo in '93 and Camp David in 2000, to give up most of the West Bank. So stop making it seem like they still have the '67 lands and big bad Obama wants to make them give it back. ”
"First of all, Obama said '67 lines with land swaps -- which is exactly what every president before him has said. "
That is quite true! But, preceding Presidents were white, which doesn't count in the eyes of feral racists!