The deal comes after weeks of increasing violence
(NEWSER) - After weeks of increasing violence, the likes of which has not been since since the end of the Gaza war in 2009, Israel and Hamas have agreed to step back from a major confrontation. A weekend of attacks left 19 Palestinians dead, including six civilians, and 65 injured. In addition, dozens of rockets were fired at southern Israel, and Israel launched airstrikes, the Guardian reports. But now a UN envoy has reportedly brokered a ceasefire, and leaders from both sides indicated they do not wish to escalate the conflict. More»