Obama Thanks Egypt’s Morsi For Ceasefire Efforts, Clinton Condemns Tel Aviv Bus Bombing

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke Wednesday to Egypt’s President Morsi thanking him for his efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and for his personal leadership in negotiating a ceasefire proposal.

A ceasefire has been achieved between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, going into effect at 7:00 p.m. GMT. Prior to the ceasefire going into effect, at least 15 Palestinians, including a child, were killed Wednesday by Israeli raids in Gaza. Al Bawaba news reports that 150 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip and 1,000 injured since the beginning of the Israeli operation against the Palestinian enclave a week ago.

President Obama and President Morsi agreed on the importance of working toward a more durable solution to the situation in Gaza.

President Obama also reaffirmed the close partnership between the United States and Egypt, and welcomed President Morsi’s commitment to regional security, the White House said.

Clinton Condemns Tel Aviv Bus Bombing

Traveling in the Middle East and working on the ceasefire, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the terrorist attack aboard a bus in Tel Aviv that wounded at least 10 people on Wednesday.

“The United States strongly condemns this terrorist attack and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the people of Israel,” said Clinton, adding that “As I arrive in Cairo, I am closely monitoring reports from Tel Aviv, and we will stay in close contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s team. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance that Israel requires.”