The US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman , spoke tonight (Saturday) with the Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and emphasized to him the "urgency of reaching a cease-fire agreement in order to prevent further loss of civilian life and to restore peace", according to a statement from the US State Department.

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A spokesperson for the State Department said that Sherman emphasized the continuing commitment of the US to Israel's security, offered her condolences for the Israeli civilian who was killed in the rocket attack and strongly condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets into Israel by terrorist organizations in Gaza, "which endangers the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians."

It was further reported that she also emphasized that Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live in security and expressed deep sorrow for Palestinian victims and Israeli citizens.

Launching rockets from Gaza, Operation Shield and Arrow (Photo: Reuters)

Yesterday, another attempt was made to reach a ceasefire after the Egyptian mediator presented a new proposal for calm in Gaza, which includes a temporary ceasefire starting at midnight. The proposal includes a humanitarian pause for the opening of the Beit Hanon and Kerem Abu Salem crossings and the introduction of medical equipment into the Strip. However, this morning rocket launches and IDF attacks resumed in the Gaza Strip in response.

According to a report by Barak Ravid in Walla! Two senior Israeli officials said that the new Egyptian proposal is closer to the Israeli position than previous proposals and it is currently being examined by the Prime Minister's Office, but the Jihad spokesman clarified this morning that there are no agreements.