Egyptian, Palestinian officials confirm new truce proposal

Egyptian mediators have proposed a new ceasefire in Gaza that would open the blockaded enclave’s crossings and allow in aid and reconstruction materials, a senior Palestinian official says.

The Palestinians, including the de facto Hamas rulers of the enclave, would be willing to accept such a deal if Israel does, the official tell AFP.

The proposal would defer to a later date negotiations on disputed points that have prevented a long-term ceasefire deal, he adds.

An Egyptian official confirms that mediators have contacted the Palestinians and Israel with a new proposal.

“There is an idea for a temporary ceasefire that opens the crossings, allows aid and reconstruction material, and the disputed points will be discussed in a month,” the Palestinian official says.

“We would be willing to accept this, but are waiting for the Israeli response to this proposal,” he says, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.

Another Palestinian official says Egypt might invite Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams to return to Cairo in 48 hours.

— AFP