Relief in Gaza, Israel as cease-fire holds, more Prince Harry revelations and an American reaches Eurovision final

Friday, May 21, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     On the good news front, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seems to be holding. This morning we dig into reaction from the region and the diplomacy that made it happen. Plus the latest revelations from Prince Harry and a surprising American finalist in the Eurovision Song Contest.   Gaza truce takes hold after Israel, Hamas reach cease-fire A bilateral cease-fire seemed to be holding early Friday after Israel and Hamas agreed to halt nearly two weeks of fighting that left hundreds dead and parts of the impoverished Gaza Strip reduced to rubble.  In both Israel and Gaza, there was a sense of joy and relief that the fighting was at least over for now. The more than 10 days of aerial attacks killed at least 243 Palestinians in Gaza and 12 Israelis, according to officials on both sides.    The White House cast the cease-fire announcement Thursday as a victory for what it had dubbed "quiet, intensive diplomacy" led by President Joe Biden. We take a closer look at how Biden handled his first major foreign policy crisis here.    And while the intense fighting and animosity between Israel and Hamas we saw during the conflict wasn't new, the level of pro-Palestinian support in the U.S. was. We take a closer look at the diverse movement calling for the end of U.S. aid to Israel here.   Friday's top stories Prince Harry accuses royals of 'total neglect,' says Diana's death led him to drink and drugs By Adela Suliman |Read more "I was so angry with what happened to her, and the fact that there was no justice at all," Prince Harry said of his mother as he once again opened up about his mental health to Oprah Winfrey in a new interview released on Friday. The latest royal revelations come on the heels of an independent report Thursday that said the former BBC reporter Martin Bashir used "deceitful" tactics to secure his own bombshell interview with Harry's mother, Princess Diana, in 1995. Prince William said the lies presented to his mother by Bashir contributed to her "fear, paranoia and isolation" prior to her death.   The world's largest iceberg just broke off an Antarctic ice shelf By Denise Chow | Read more An enormous chunk of ice bigger than Rhode Island has broken off an Antarctic ice shelf, according to the European Space Agency. The floating mass covers more than 1,600 square miles, making it the largest iceberg in the world. 'All-out attempted coup': Rep. AOC says Capitol attack has 'deeply affected lawmaking' By Nicole Acevedo | Read more Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said she still thinks about the "extraordinarily traumatizing event" that took place at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and how it impacted herself and other politicians. OPINION How a new Lamar Odom doc is tackling psychedelic drugs, depression — and stigma By Patricia Grisafi  | Read more The new documentary, "Reborn," explores controversial ketamine therapy after the NBA star credited the medication for turning his life around. Feds seize almost 70 big cats from 'Tiger King' zoo By  Phil Helsel | Read more The animals were seized from "Tiger King Park," run by Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe, who were featured in the Netflix docuseries of the same name, after allegations of neglect. BETTER It's hard to lose weight. A doctor shares 6 essential tips to make it easier By Stephanie Thurrott | Read more A Harvard doctor shares her best strategy for measuring progress — and it has nothing to do with the scale. Want to receive the Morning Rundown in your inbox? Sign up here. Also in the news ... Lady Gaga opens up about past pregnancy after sexual assault Amazon shuts down construction at Connecticut site after nooses found CNN's Chris Cuomo had 'inappropriate' conversations with brother's staff, network says Don't back down': DeSantis delivers campaign-style speech in Pittsburgh  Louisiana storm death toll climbs to 5, hundreds dealing with flood damage SHOPPING A Dutch oven is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for everything from roasting chicken to baking bread. Here's how to shop for the best Dutch oven.  One fun thing Tiny San Marino got a big dose of star power Thursday as U.S. rapper Flo Rida helped the city state qualify for the grand final of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest.   The American rapper told The Associated Press he was enjoying the Eurovision vibe as San Marino reached the final for just the third time.   "I love the energy, you know, to be up there," the rapper said. "I mean, it's just amazing, man. The whole set up, it's like over the top."   I'll say! Sounds fun. Watch the video here. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill Download the NBC News App Follow NBC News Privacy | Unsubscribe | More NBC Newsletters | Contact View in browser