Talk of a ceasefire in Gaza continued Tuesday, with the Arab League, the Quartet and the EU pushing for an end to hostilities. Government officials said Amos Gilad, head of the security-political division of the Defense Ministry, will head to Cairo on Thursday to discuss progress towards a ceasefire and ways to prevent weapons smuggling to Gaza.
Officials in Cairo have already begun talking with Hamas leaders in Gaza to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire. Hamas leaders indicated Tuesday that their previous strong rejection of ceasefire proposals had weakened, saying there is “a chance” that the group will accept a deal.
However, senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu-Marzuk said from Damascus that the group would accept a deal only if it included a full end to Israeli counterterror operations and included the reopening of crossing points into Israel and Egypt. Egyptian diplomats say another point on which Hamas and Israel disagree involves the duration of the ceasefire: Hamas wants a temporary ceasefire lasting for less than a year, while Israel wants a permanent end to attacks.
Israeli leaders insist that any ceasefire deal have a means of enforcement included, so that Hamas will not use the time to rearm and increase its supply of rockets. France and Germany have suggested that European observers monitor the ceasefire, and Germany has offered to assist along with Gaza border.
The United Nations is putting pressure on both sides as well. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said Tuesday that ceasefire talks are moving too slowly, and insisted, “My message is direct and to the point: Just stop now.” Ban will visit the middle east on Wednesday.
Israel's leaders themselves appear conflicted over the timing of a ceasefire. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni say the Cast Lead operation should continue until its goals are reached, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has stated that any deal must include a means of halting weapons smuggling and Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann says the deal must include the return of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.