A truce officially came into effect late on Saturday night, with an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire agreement meant to end the worst episode of cross-border fire since a 10-day war in 2021.

In a press release published by the European External Action Service on Sunday, the EU commends Egypt for facilitating the agreement, and the United Nations for its positive role in this context.

"The EU deeply deplores the loss of civilian lives over the past days, including children, killed and injured in the Gaza Strip and in Israel," the statement says.

"It is now crucial to consolidate the ceasefire and to reopen the crossings to allow especially humanitarian assistance and fuel, as well as workers, to enter and exit Gaza," the EU added.

Affirming its willingness to work with all of its partners to bring relief, assist in achieving calm for both Israelis and Palestinians and restore a political horizon, the EU also reiterated its call for all parties to work towards de-escalation, in line with undertakings made in Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh.