Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire in the Besieged Gaza Strip

Israel and the Palestinian factions agreed to a cease-fire that would follow the agreement the two sides reached in 2014.

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An Israeli official responded to cease-fire reports, saying that a cease-fire has been reached and that "Israel reserves its freedom to operate."

The mediators seeking to put an end to the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has produced the death of at least 13 Palestinians, one Israeli soldier, and one Israeli civilian are Egypt, the United Nations, Norway, and Switzerland. 

Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political wing, said Tuesday that "if Israel stops the airstrikes, we can return to the cease-fire understandings."

Palestinian groups in Gaza released a joint statement stating "a cease-fire has been reached and we have responded to Egyptian efforts on this matter." The Palestinian groups went further by stating a "committed to the cease-fire as long as Israel doesn't break it and doesn't attack the Palestinian people."

This escalation of conflict was the result of Israel’s botched undercover operation Sunday, which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians and one Israeli military officer.