DEAL

Hamas, Israel Agree to Cease Fire

Reportedly pressured by U.N.

Conflict in Gaza between Israelis and Palestinians has been brewing since the end of March, leading to the most violence the area has seen since the end of the Gaza war in 2009. But it appears that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease fire to prevent more bloodshed. Leaders from both sides made radio announcements that they had no desire to heighten conflict. This weekend's attacks left 19 Palestinians dead, including six civilians in Gaza and 65 injured. Tensions escalated on Thursday, when Palestinian militants attacked an Israeli school bus. Meanwhile, the Arab League announced on Sunday in Cairo that it planned to ask the U.N. to enforce a no-fly zone in the area. Robert Serry, U.N. special envoy for the Middle East, reportedly had a role in arranging the cease fire, though his office has declined to comment.