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Leaders around the world welcomed news of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas early Friday after days of hostilities killed altogether at least 250 people, including some 70 children.

After 11 days of the worst fighting in the region since 2014, global leaders called for both sides to resolve the decadeslong conflict and to build a lasting, peaceful and stable future.

President Joe Biden's administration held "

intense, high-level discussions hour by hour

" with the Israelis, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and others to reach the truce. He said Thursday that there is a "genuine opportunity" to build on the progress.

The U.S. appears ready to continue its involvement in the region. Secretary of State Antony Blinken 

 early Friday that he will visit the region in the coming days and that he looks "forward to meeting the Foreign Minister and other Israeli, Palestinian, and regional leaders."

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Twitter Thursday that Israeli and Palestinian leaders "have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict."

Guterres also called on the international community to develop a support package for reconstruction and recovery to aid Palestinian people "and strengthens their institutions."

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen 

She said, "Only a political solution will bring lasting peace and security to all."

according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

, is one that prevents "terrorism, ends the cycle of violence and delivers a sustainable and just peace."

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi struck a more divisive tone in his message following the announcement of the cease-fire. 

 with U.N. Secretary-General Guterres, Qureshi said the two men shared a "deep concern for the people of Palestine and Pakistan's unwavering support for their right to self determination."

Qureshi called on "Israel's occupation of Palestine" to end. 

Unrest

Jaclyn Diaz

Author

After 11 days of the worst fighting in the region since 2014, global leaders called for both sides to resolve the long-standing conflict to achieve lasting peace.

World leaders call for long-term resolution in Gaza conflict following cease-fire

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