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Destruction in Gaza City after Israeli air strikes
Photo: Adel Hana / AP
Around a week and a half after the escalation of violence in the Middle East, Israel has apparently signaled its fundamental readiness for a ceasefire with the Gaza Strip.
The AFP news agency reported, referring to a source in the Israeli military, that the conflict with the Palestinian militant groups is being examined to determine whether the conditions for a ceasefire exist.
"We'll see when the time is right for a ceasefire."
Israel wants to ensure that the military goals of the air strikes have been achieved and that the radical Islamic Hamas "got the message".
At the same time, the army was ready to continue its offensive for "more days" if necessary.
The Israeli newspaper »Haaretz« also reported, citing a high-ranking source, that if nothing unexpected happens, a ceasefire can be expected on Thursday.
In any case, it is assumed in Jerusalem that the military operation will be over within a few days because both the Israeli army and Hamas have achieved their goals.
So far, however, there have been no talks about a ceasefire.
In addition to numerous other politicians from abroad, US President Joe Biden had spoken out in favor of a ceasefire.
In a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden declares his "support" for a ceasefire.
According to the White House, Biden reiterated his support for Israel's right to self-defense.
At the same time, he had encouraged the country to "make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians".
More than 230 dead
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians escalated again at the beginning of last week after militant Palestinians fired bullets at Israel.
One of the triggers was the threat of eviction from Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem.
Since then, according to the Israeli army, around 3,700 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.
The Israeli army responded with air strikes on facilities owned by Hamas and other militant groups.
More than 230 people were killed, most of them Palestinians.
ire / AFP