Obama hails ceasefire agreement in Gaza after a week of fighting

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is hailing a ceasefire agreement to end a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The White House says Obama talked with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and commended him for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal, which Obama had recommended that Netanyahu accept.

The fighting has killed more than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis.

The White House says the United States will use the opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.

Obama also said he would seek more money for the Iron Dome defence system that has protected Israel from rocket attacks.

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