Cease-fire conditions discussed in Egypt

Azerbaijan News.Net
Tuesday 6th January, 2009

An immediate cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza has been proposed by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Mr Mubarak made the proposal Tuesday after talks with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy, who is visiting Egypt.

Mr Mubarak said long-term arrangements and guarantees, including an end to the blockade of Gaza, must be made by both sides.

He said the guarantees should include securing and opening the border crossings for humanitarian aid.

A delegation from Hamas is also in Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators.

But Hamas officials have said the group will only consider a cease-fire if Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and reopens the territory's borders.

Israel is unlikely to consider the demands, as Defense Minister Ehud Barak has recently said the fighting will go on until Israel achieves "peace and tranquility" for residents of southern Israel, who have been targeted by Hamas rockets.

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