Islamic Jihad Movement

A "mutual and simultaneous" cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reached with Egypt mediation took effect at 2 a.m. on May 21. (23.00GMT Thursday)

The Israeli Security Cabinet voted to end attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip that began May 10 and accept the cease-fire, according to media reports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh denounced the U.S.' so-called Middle East peace plan in a phone call on Feb. 6.

Zarif expressed support for the stances of the Palestinian people and leaders against the "unilateral" plan of the U.S., Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.