State Department condemns 'unacceptable' rocket fire from Gaza

The US State Department says it stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barrage of rockets and mortars fired into Israel by armed groups in the Gaza Strip.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the rocket, missile, and mortar attacks that are taking place from Gaza into Israel,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says at press conference.

“We call for the sustained halt of those attacks. We stand with Israel as Israel defends itself against these attacks. It is simply unacceptable to target civilians.”

Earlier, Gaza terrorist groups announced an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel after a severe escalation of violence threatened to descend into full-blown war. Israel has yet to comment on the ceasefire claims.