Government sources have discounted reports in Egyptian and Kuwaiti newspapers that Egypt has worked out an agreement with Hamas by which the terrorist organization would halt all attacks against Israel and all crossings to Gaza would be opened. Voice of Israel government radio quoted sources that the initiative is Egypt's and was not made in coordination with Israel. Knesset Member Effie Eitam (National Union) said the report is a "spin" to mark the Passover holiday.

The Egyptian daily Al Ahram reported that the second stage of the calm will involve an exchange of Arab terrorists and prisoners for kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. However, the agreement is subject to agreement by the Islamic Jihad terrorist group, which previously has objected to halting attacks against Israel.