US welcomes Israel-Gaza ceasefire - White House

The White House welcomed the announced ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based militant Islamic Jihad group on Saturday night, thanking Egypt for helping to broker a halt to escalating cross-border fighting.

"The United States welcomes tonight's announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based militants brokered by the Egyptian government after nearly five days of fighting," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The White House said U.S. officials worked with regional partners to achieve the resolution and thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and senior Egyptian for "critical diplomatic efforts," as well as Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar.