Calm returns to Gaza as first day of ceasefire holds

Calm returned to Gaza Sunday as a fragile ceasefire ending five days of fighting held, leaving Palestinians and Israelis to count the cost of cross-border fire which has killed dozens. The fighting which broke out Tuesday with Israeli strikes on the Islamic Jihad militant group ceased late Saturday, following days of truce talks led by Egypt.

The White House welcomed Saturday the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based militants, and praised the Egyptian government for brokering the deal. The Israeli strikes on Gazakilled at least six top figures from Islamic Jihad, which is considered a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union.