WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama praised Egypt’s proposal Monday for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, telling Muslim-Americans that he’s hopeful that the plan can restore calm in the wake of a deadly wave of violence.

“We’re going to continue to do everything we can to facilitate a return to the 2012 cease-fire,” Obama said at a White House dinner celebrating the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “We are encouraged that Egypt has made a proposal to accomplish that goal.”