US Secretary of State John Kerry today welcomed Israel's decision to accept the Egyptian proposal of a ceasefire with Hamas in war-torn Gaza.
"The Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire and negotiations provides an opportunity to end the violence and restore calm," Kerry said in an early morning statement.
"We welcome the Israeli cabinet's decision to accept it. We urge all other parties to accept the proposal," Kerry said after the Israeli cabinet accepted the Egyptian proposal of a ceasefire with the Hamas.
The Secretary of State has been in regular contact with key partners in the region.
Between July 12 and today, Kerry spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister on four occasions and the Egyptian Foreign Minister twice.
He also spoke with Qatari Foreign Minister twice and foreign ministers of Turkey and Jordan once each, an official said.
