Israel is releasing statements denying media reports that Jerusalem has agreed to Hamas demands to lift the marine blockade on Gaza. However, Israel is signaling a willingness to minimize restrictions at crossings in addition to taking other measures towards reaching a deal with Hamas. However, Hamas is not exhibiting flexibility, continuing to demands Israel permit a seaport and an airport as well as demanding the unconditional opening of the Rafiach Crossing to Egypt.
With the ending of the 120-hour ceasefire, negotiators in Cairo on Monday night the eve of 23 Menachem Av did agree to extend the ceasefire for an addition 24 hours. Israeli negotiators are in Cairo Tuesday morning as efforts to reach agreement continue. Officials in Jerusalem continue to stress that despite Arab media reports to the contrary, no deal was reached on Monday night.
The talks mediated by the Egyptians on Tuesday will be focusing on Israel’s willingness to lift or minimize restrictions. While Israel seems willing to minimize restrictions at crossings, it remains unwilling to Hamas’ demands for the lifting of any and all restrictions, including the removal of the IDF Navy blockade. Aware of the fact that an overall agreement is unlikely, efforts appear to be concentrated on a partial agreement, one that may result in a continued ceasefire. Israeli officials are continuing to release statements that any resumption of rocket fire will be met with a significant and stern military response by the IDF.
Israel is willing to extend the fishing area for Gaza fishermen as well as extending operating hours of land border crossings. Jerusalem is even willing to permit the flow of funds to Hamas if such an action is supervised by a third party, a country that Israel trusts towards ensuring the funds are used to rebuild and expand Gaza’s economy and not Hamas military capabilities. Despite an Israeli willingness to comply with some demands, it is not likely Hamas is going to abandon its demands for the lifting of the marine blockade and the opening of an airport.
Egypt hopes that if the sides reach partial agreement, this may prove sufficient to extend the ceasefire and permit continued negotiations instead of a resumption of the warfare.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
Past history has shown that the Arab demands NEVER CHANGE while Israel’s red lines change frequently,
I think we should applogize ro japan ans gernany for not lerribg them dictate ceasefure terms after ww2
This is good NEWS!!!
We are getting closer and closer to the altimate goal of placing our trust in Hashem rather than the IDF and it’s leaders.
By now everyone knows that Hamas is out to kill all the Jews, and everyone knows that the world including the US is anti Israel/Jews and still Israel feels compell to give into demands that put them in a state of great danger just so to relieve some pressure from the goyim and for a short time of quiet from Hamas. (While they rebuild their terror camps)
Beyond stupid? Yes
But apparently we are so reliant on the IDF that we need Hashem to make it so blatantly clear that we can only rely on him
y2r: If you really believe that we are not placing our trust in Hashem, but the IDF instead, you haven’t been to Israel. You also haven’t seen all the IDF soldiers davening and singing praises to Hashem. You haven’t seen Chilonim soldiers putting on Tzizis and T’Fillin.
The shocking thing that occurred, was the even Lapid put on a Yarmulkah and went to Shul. He even put on T’ffilin for the first time since his Bar Mitzvah.
Something far greater is taking place here than you realize. There has never been so much Achdus and Tehillim said in Israel before.
Sorry to don’t see it and sorry you’re haven’t been a part of it.
What staggering chutzpah by Hamas to demand that the “blockade” be lifted. They built tunnels deep into Israel, intending to slaughter and kidnap Israeli civilians. Now that those tunnels have been destroyed, they want sea access to bring in weapons, all the while breaking cease fire agreements and firing rockets at Israel. Israel has intercepted several large ships loaded with sophisticated weapons originating in Iran. It’s a no brainer–their coastline must continue to be supervised, with non-military materials allowed in as it is now. Here is another no-brainer: how do you negotiate with a group who denies your right to exist and is sworn to destroy you and Jews everywhere. There is no discussion. Hamas is Amalek. Firing rockets at Israeli civilians, makes them a modern day Amalek, which attacked women and children in the biblical history. The result: G-d wanted Amalek to be utterly destroyed. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, in Gaza, must be utterly destroyed.