Supporting the latest ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, the US has asked the two sides to abide by their commitment and look towards establishing lasting peace in the region.

"The United States certainly supports the latest 72-hour cease-fire proposal that appears both sides are respecting and abiding by at this point," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

Earnest said that a cease-fire will only be sustained if both sides who are a party to this conflict make the decision not to prolong the violence. "I would anticipate that both sides will have long-held grievances and concerns about the conduct of the other side," he said.