Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Bethlehem – Ma’an Exclusive – A ceasefire in Gaza could be negotiated in the coming week, a Hamas leader said on Wednesday.
Ghazi Hamad the spokesperson of the Hamas government elected in 2006, said that Hamas has a positive attitude towards the diplomatic efforts at a ceasefire, mentioning the efforts of Egypt, France, and Turkey in this regard.
“I can say that during the week there will be a commitment to ceasefire and the atmosphere is ready for diplomatic efforts,” during an interview with Ma’an.
This announcement came as Israel signalled it is willing to consider Egypt's proposal for a ceasefire. The US has thrown its support behind the Egyptian plan, and called on Israel to accept it.
A statement sent by the Israeli Prime Minister's office said: "Israel views as positive the dialogue between Egyptian and Israeli officials in order to advance these issues."
The Israeli security cabinet reportedly discussed the Egyptian draft on Wednesday. During the cabinet meeting, the Israeli ministers also considered a proposed "third phase" of the war in Gaza, in which Israeli troops would invade Gaza's urban centers, a step they have hesitated to make until now.
A group of high-ranking Hamas leaders are currently in Egypt for talks that may address the ceasefire plan.
Egypt brokered a six-month truce between Israel and Hamas that collapsed in November when Israel invaded Gaza and renewed its blockade of the territory.
International news agencies quoted senior Hamas political official Musa Abu Marzuq, saying, ”Hamas is studying the suggestions by Egypt, Syria, France and Turkey for ceasefire.”
Abu Marzouk stressed that Hamas would not enter into negotiations regarding a permanent ceasefire as long as Israeli occupation exists.
The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority has also reportedly agreed to the Egyptian proposal. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas went to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to demand action to stop what he termed “genocide” in Gaza.
