Egyptian mediators head to Israel for talks on Gaza ceasefire deal

Egyptian mediators are heading to Israel to discuss a potential ceasefire plan with Hamas to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip that began earlier this week.

Three Hamas officials familiar with the negotiations say that the Egyptians offered Hamas a series of measures to ease the Egyptian-Israeli blockade on Gaza. In exchange, Hamas would have to pledge to halt rocket fire and keep protests along the Israeli border under control.

The officials say the deal would only take effect after a planned mass demonstration along the Israeli border. They speak on condition of anonymity because the negotiations were ongoing. One of the officials describes the atmosphere as positive.

Another official says the Egyptians were discussing the proposal with Israel this afternoon.

There is no immediate Israeli comment.

— AP