Israel and Hamas began indirect talks on a new border deal for the blockaded Gaza Strip as a cease-fire ending their month-long war entered its second day Wednesday.
Israel has said it wants the Islamic terrorist Hamas to disarm, or at least ensure it cannot re-arm, before considering the group’s demand that the territory’s borders be opened. Israel and Egypt imposed a closure after the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007.
The indirect talks are being held in Cairo, with Egyptian mediators shuttling between the delegations.
Disarming Hamas tops the list of Israeli demands presented in a meeting with Egyptian mediators late Tuesday, said an Egyptian security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The Israeli delegation has since left for Israel but was to return to Cairo later Wednesday, the official added.
The Palestinian delegation is composed of negotiators from all major factions, including Hamas and was to meet with Egyptian officials later Wednesday to be briefed on Israel’s demands, said Bassam Salhi, a Palestinian delegate,.
“The most important thing to us is removing the blockade and start reconstructing Gaza,” he said. “There can be no deal without that.”
He said the cease-fire, set to expire at 8 a.m. Friday (0500 GMT), would likely be extended if more time for talks is needed.
Talks are still in the early stages, but the outlines of a possible solution have emerged, including internationally funded reconstruction of Gaza overseen by a Palestinian unity government led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Western-backed Abbas lost control of Gaza in the Hamas takeover of 2007.
In a step toward reconstruction, Norway is organizing a donor conference, tentatively set for the beginning of September.
Regarding easing the blockade, a statement by Egyptian intelligence indicated it would not agree to major changes at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, and the onus of lifting the border closure would fall on Israel.
(AP)
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4 Responses
Egypt is smart. Keep the borders closed.
I don’t see why there’s not an outrage at the idea that Abbas should be part of the solution in Gaza – He has openly stated that he and his Fatah party [which until recently was also internationally recognized terrorist organization] are in full agreement with Hamas on their stance regarding Israel. The territories under his rule are ripe with terrorism as well. Why should Israel agree to allow him to act as the one who implements the disarming of Hamas. I personally can’t think of anything more absurd.
Israel should learn from the Egyptians how to deal with the Arabs. The Egyptians understand the Arab mentality well and show clearly that the best way to deal with Hamas is to simply shut and bolt the door and let then scream and bang as much as thy want and still keep the door bolted.
Please open the gates so we don’t have to dig long tunnels when we want to massacre you