Security Restrictions Lifted in Gaza Periphery as Ceasefire Takes Hold

Israeli authorities have lifted security restrictions on residents of southern Israel after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas went into effect on Tuesday evening.

Israelis in the Gaza periphery and to the north were informed that they no longer need stay close to bomb shelters, as the immediate danger has passed.

Schools in the region will be allowed to reopen on Wednesday, as will all business and government offices.

Farmers will again be permitted to work in their fields, as normal.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador said Egyptian mediators are in Israel trying to get the government to agree on a Gaza ceasefire, according to The Associated Press.

Israel has not made any official statement endorsing a ceasefire agreement, despite reports that the Cabinet approved it earlier on Tuesday.