Hamas official says group interested in long-term ceasefire

Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin says Hamas is interested in a long-term ceasefire and in handing control of the Gaza Strip over to the Palestinian Authority’s national reconciliation government, of which it’s a part.

Hamas is prepared to end this war with a long-term ceasefire & to turn the authority in Gaza over the national reconciliation government

— Gershon Baskin???? غرشون باسكين גרשון בסקין (@gershonbaskin) August 15, 2014

Baskin tweets that he spoke to a Hamas official on Thursday night and was informed that “Hamas wants Gaza rebuilt and are prepared for any kind of international oversight to ensure that building materials go to rebuilding Gaza above ground.”

“The proof of Hamas intentions will be in the arrangements that are agreed on that will enable the end of the siege on Gaza,” Baskin says.