Israel could declare unilateral end to Gaza op, report says

Should talks in Cairo fail to produce a long-term ceasefire with Hamas, Israel will announce a unilateral cessation of its military operation in the Gaza Strip, based on the idea of “answering quiet for quiet,” Haaretz reports.

If that were to happen, says the report, which cites senior Israeli officials, world powers would likely try to push for a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

Israel’s delegation to the talks is expected in Cairo early Sunday, with less than two days left before a five-day truce with Hamas is set to run out.

Hamas, for its part, has threatened to pursue an extended “war of attrition” with Israel should the Jewish state refuse to meet its demands.