Israel's Lapid Says Gaza Offensive 'Achieved Goals'

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said on Sunday the military operation in Gaza has "achieved its goals."

"The goals have been achieved. There's no benefit in continuing the operation," Lapid said in statements cited by public broadcaster KAN.

The statements came amid reports that Egyptian mediators managed to broker a truce in Gaza that would take effect at 10 pm (1900 GMT).

There was no confirmation of the truce yet from Israel or the Islamic Jihad group.

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Friday citing what the army said that there was an "imminent threat of attacks" by Islamic Jihad group.

At least 41 Palestinians have been killed, including 15 children and four women, and over 310 others injured in the attacks, according to the Health Ministry.

Last year, Egypt managed to broker a ceasefire to end 11 days of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, in which more than 200 Palestinians were killed and thousands injured.

Thirteen Israelis were also killed by Palestinian rocket fire from Gaza during the course of the conflict.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar -