Israel and a Palestinian militant group have agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire after dozens of people were killed since Tuesday in exchanges of armed attacks.

The ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based Islamic Jihad group took effect at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The fighting was triggered by Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that killed senior members of the militant group.

The militants responded with rocket attacks and Israel carried out more air raids.

At least 33 Palestinians, including six children, as well as one Israeli, were killed.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Palestinian militants remain poised to resume attacks in response to what Israel might do.

In Israel, extreme right-wing political parties are gaining support. They are calling for the expansion of settlements. Some members of the coalition government say the country should take a firmer stance against Palestinians.