May 21, Friday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have put an end to 11 days of deadly violence. A ceasefire is now in effect. Other nations have pledged support, but there are fears both sides would retaliate if the agreement is broken.
2.The Japanese government’s expert panel on the coronavirus has approved a plan to add Okinawa to a list of prefectures where a state of emergency has been declared.
3. Japan’s health ministry says the number of severe COVID-19 cases in the country hit a record high on Friday. The ministry said 1,294 patients are on ventilators or being treated at intensive care units, up six from a day earlier.