Israel-Palestine Escalation
Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7, with Hamas movement's troops infiltrating border areas. On October 8, the Israeli government announced that it had invoked Article 40 of the Basic Law, which means the country was officially in a state of war.

South Africa Welcomes Four-Day Humanitarian Pause in Gaza, President Ramaphosa Says

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - South Africa welcomes the agreement between Palestinian movement Hamas and Israel to establish a four-day humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
Sputnik
Since the beginning of the escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, different world leaders and organizations have been calling for a ceasefire. Finally, two parties have reached an agreement to stop hostilities for a few days.
"As a member of the international community that stands for peace, justice and the rule of international law in all parts of the world, South Africa welcomes the agreement reached," Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by his office.
The president expressed hope that the agreement between the two sides would boost efforts to achieve a full ceasefire.
Israel-Palestine Escalation
Ramaphosa Slams Both Israel & Hamas, Calls for Deployment of UN Forces in Palestine
Earlier in the day, Israel and Hamas confirmed that they had agreed to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza, with the cessation of all hostilities and the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing around 1,200 people and abducting over 200 others in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.
On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 14,100 people in the exclave, according to the Gaza authorities.