Israeli sources say no lifting of Gaza blockade

Despite Palestinian reports that Israel has agreed to lift the Gaza blockade as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, Israeli diplomatic officials tell Channel 2 that no such concession has been agreed to.

The officials say that the sides are not considering a wide-ranging deal, but rather a more “narrow” agreement by which Israel will try to make life easier in Gaza in exchange for an end to rocket fire, including by opening land crossings. Should Hamas continue to fight, though, Israel will respond, according to the report.

The report adds that Israel is not considering allowing either a seaport or airfield in the Strip.

Earlier, Israeli news site Ynet reported that Israel and the US have already coordinated and agreed on the details of a future agreement for a long-term ceasefire with Hamas, and a gradual lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Diplomatic sources tell Ynet that the agreement between Israel and the US on the terms of a deal with Hamas, was reached secretly and entails Israel opening the land crossings into Gaza, followed by sea access, not objecting to the payment of salaries to Hamas men in Gaza and facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza with international aid.

The US, according to the report, will support Israel’s demand to prevent the rearmament of Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza, and will help Israel promote this goal in the international sphere. Israel reportely conceded the demand that terror groups in Gaza disarm.

Neither report is based on any named sources.