MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2021) EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and the Gaza Strip-based Hamas Islamist movement.
"I welcome the cease-fire that came into force today at 2am [23:00 GMT Thursday] between Israel and Hamas. I urge both sides to consolidate it and stabilise the situation in the long term. Only a political solution will bring lasting peace and security to all," von der Leyen tweeted.
On Thursday, Israel and the Palestinian militants agreed to a mutual, unconditional ceasefire, which was brokered by Egypt after 11 days of rocket attacks and airstrikes that left 217 Palestinians and 12 Israelis dead.
The European Union, the United Nations and a number of countries, including Russia, have welcomed the ceasefire.
