Ceasefire reached after worst escalation in Gaza since August, humanitarian situation remains critical.

A ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in Gaza, following five days of fighting that left at least 33 Palestinians and two Israelis dead. The truce got off to a shaky start, with both sides firing for two hours after it began. The mediation efforts were led by Egypt, which urged both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. Despite the fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement confirming that a ceasefire had been agreed and thanked Egypt for its "intensive efforts" to secure one.