Report: Israel ready for long-term truce in Gaza

Israel is ready for a real calm with Hamas, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat reported Sunday.

According to Egyptian sources quoted in the report, the Egyptians relayed a messaged to that effect both to Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in a recent meeting held in Rafah Crossing.

The groups' delegates were reportedly asked to give their answer to the offer in the next few days.

According to the report, the Israeli stancewas based on four key-points:

• Should the Islamic Jihad and Hamas cease all rocket fire on Israel – Israel will not launch any military operation in the Gaza Strip.
• Israel will agree to a long-term truce, such as a year-long one.
• Israeli will consider revisiting the issue of the Gaza crossings' operation.
• Israeli would like to see the truce upheld throughout all of the Gaza Strip.
  

Cairo sensed the Israelis are willing to accept and provide an overall clam with the Palestinian which will include both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, al-Hayat quoted its Egyptian sources.

The proverbial ball, added the newspaper, is now in the Palestinians' court.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Tuesday that his country "will continue its efforts to achieve a calm between Israel and the Palestinians… such (a lull) will prevent bloodshed, cease the mutual violence, lift the closure over Gaza, reopen the crossings and ease the suffering of those living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank."

Amos Gilad, head of the political-military bureau at the Defense Ministry visited Cairo recently, despite Israel's denials on any ongoing talks.

A senior security source told Ynet that Israel "will continue to fight Hamas as long a the rocket fire and the groups' strengthening will continue."