Israel and Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire
By: NBC News
Updated: November 21, 2012
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire, the Egyptian foreign minister said Wednesday, ending eight days of fighting that killed more than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis.
The cease-fire is set to start at 9 p.m. Cairo time (2 p.m. ET), Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr announced in a news conference alongside visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"The United States welcomes the agreement today for the cease-fire in Gaza," Clinton said, adding that Egypt's new government was exerting responsibility and leadership in the region.
"This is a critical moment for the region," she said.
Clinton also thanked Egypt's Islamist President Mohammed Morsi for his mediation efforts and pledged to work with partners in the region "to consolidate this progress, improve conditions for the people of Gaza, provide security for the people of Israel."
In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the agreement.
For the full story: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/21/15327753-israel-and-hamas-agree-to-gaza-cease-fire
