Monday’s fatalities brought the death toll in Gaza over the past four days to 23. (Photo: EPA/ Mohammed Saber)

(VOVworld) - Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have agreed on a ceasefire after four days of deadly clashes. The agreement came after Egypt played an active role as a mediator in an effort to prevent a military action targeting the Gaza Strip and end bloodsheds. There has been no comment from the two sides.
In another development, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon chaired a meeting of the Quartet, which includes the UN, the US, Russia, and the EU, to seek a peaceful solution in the Middle East. The participants discussed the situation in Gaza and southern Israel, and expressed concerns over escalating conflicts in the region. The Quartet called on Israel and Palestine to resume talks and end provocative actions.