Israel has called upon Egyptian negotiators to continue efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas that would result in a ceasefire and the release of Gilad Shalit.

Israel recently rejected the Egyptian initiative because the release of the IDF soldier was not included. Following Israel’s rejection of the offer, Hamas leaders in Gaza stated that Shalit’s release would not be included in a ceasefire deal, stating such a move demands more in return and Israel would have to comply with Hamas’ prisoner release demands.

Israel also called on Egypt to tighten border control restrictions at the Rafiah Crossing from Gaza to Sinai since this serves as a main conduit for the importation of weapons and ammunition into Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Egyptian negotiators will be continuing talks on Friday and Saturday, the daily Haaretz reports, in the hope to reach a mutually acceptable offer that will result in a Gaza ceasefire.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)