Israel's heavy strikes against the Gazan Hamas administration came to an end yesterday with a declared ceasefire. Israel and Hamas agreed to a truce which began Wednesday night and was brokered by Egyptian leadership and the support of nations including Turkey, U.S. and Qatar.
Following the announcement of the ceasefire, Hamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Meshaal said the Palestinians had emerged from the eight-day war victorious, arguing that Israel had lost and the conflict was proof that armed "resistance" was the way forward for the Palestinians.
Thanking Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Meshaal, said the deal covered the opening of all of the territory's border crossings with Israel and Egypt. Meshaal said that Hamas would respect the truce, but warned that if Israel violated it, "our hands are on the trigger".
The Hamas administration in Gaza declared Nov. 22, the day the ceasefire began, a national holiday. Gaza residents and security forces celebrated the ceasefire in joyful embraces throughout the city left in ruins.
ISRAEL: WE COULD GO BACK INTO BATTLE
Thirteen rockets were set off from Gaza after the truce was announced, however ten were recorded to have exploded in Palestinian territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that he knew "there are citizens expecting a more intensive military operation, however," he stated, "right now, the right thing for the State of Israel is to take advantage of the opportunity for a cease-fire." Netanyahu also noted that Israel was ready to take action should the truce be violated.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has also announced that they are ready to strike should the truce be broken.
Victory celebrated among the public
While Gaza residents attempted to clear the streets of rubble, Hamas's Prime Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh greeted the public who waved flags and chanted anti-Israeli slogans.
