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Amos Gilad
Photo: Gil Yohanan

Amos Gilad returns from Cairo talks on ceasefire with Hamas

Senior Defense Ministry participated in round of negotiations towards ceasefire in Gaza, without firm conclusions. Egyptian mediator calls on both sides to show flexibility

Amos Gilad, head of the Defense Ministry's military-political department, returned to Israel following a series of meetings in Cairo in which he represented Israel in negotiations on a possible truce between Israel and the Palestinian factions, mediated by Egypt. Following preliminary reports, the government has decided to suspend any decisions about an extensive military operation in Gaza.

 

Gilad met with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman, who urged both Hamas and Israel to show flexibility in efforts to reach a ceasefire.

 

Officials in Jerusalem are awaiting Gilad's full report, which is scheduled to be delivered to Defense Minister Ehud Barak Sunday evening.

 

During the talks Gilad stressed Israel's demand that complete calm prevail in Gaza prior to any ceasefire agreement. During this stage the terror groups will commit, under Egypt's supervision, to prevent the smuggling of arms, money and terrorists from Sinai into the Strip. In return Israel will refrain from launching a broad military operation in Gaza.

 

During the second phase, Israel will reopen the Rafah crossing and allow the movement of goods and people between Egypt and Gaza in return for significant progress on a deal to release kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

 

This phase is expected to be more complex due to the disagreement over the identity of the Palestinians slated for release in the framework of a prisoner exchange deal.

 

Hamas is demanding that during the initial phase of the prisoner exchange deal Israel release 450 prisoners, including those with "blood on their hands", simultaneous to the transfer of Shalit to Egyptian custody.

Some 350 additional Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, are also expected to be freed by Israel in the framework of the exchange deal.

 

The Defense Ministry related that Gilad plans to visit Cairo next week once again in order to continue the debate. His current message is one that requires further instructions from Barak, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, which he plans to relay at the next round of negotiations. 

 

Officials in Jerusalem said that there have been no breakthroughs in achieving the acceptance of Israel's terms by the terror organizations. Israel has demanded that Hamas release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and halt all smuggling of weapons, money, and terrorists into Gaza. Only under these terms is the State willing to negotiate the opening of the Rafah crossing.

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.25.08, 22:47
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