Palestinian sources report Egyptian-mediated ceasefire talks in a tough spot, following talks of Shalit, crossings; Palestinian factions told to prepare for possible escalation
Egyptian-mediated ceasefire efforts between Israel
and Palestinians in Gaza have stymied in recent hours, Palestinian sources told Ynet Monday afternoon. It is unclear whether this is due to last-minute stubbornness or simply a dead end between the sides.
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Sources in Gaza told Ynet that representatives of various Palestinian factions in Gaza have received messages from Cairo to be prepared for any alternative, including one of escalation.
A Hamas
source refused to confirm the reports that negotiations had hit a dead end, but said that talks were, indeed, foundering regarding the issues of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and the crossings. The ultimate outcome of the talks would be made clear soon, he added.
A source from another organization said that, in the event that a ceasefire is not reached, Israel can expect renewed rocket fire towards its civilians.
Earlier Monday, Abu al-Qassam, the Director-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said that, in the event that Israeli "aggression" would continue and if the crossings won't be opened, "the PFLP would make the lives of the enemy and its citizens a living hell."
But even among the Palestinians, there is not consensus regarding the merits of a ceasefire or what its conditions should be. Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbasblamed Palestinian factions
in Gaza for the end of the ceasefire.
"We did everything we could in order for the truce to continue, but because of interests and agendas that have nothing to do with the Palestinians, it was decided to end the truce," he said.
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