Long-term truce based on 2012 deal under consideration

The long-term ceasefire under consideration during talks in Egypt is similar to the understandings agreed upon in 2012 after Operation Pillar of Defense, Channel 2 reports. There will be a ceasefire from both sides, the border crossing will be more open, and Hamas will receive money from the PA for unpaid salaries. The border access will involve Israeli and Egyptian supervision.

The report says it is Khaled Mashaal, the Hamas leader in Qatar, who has been central to the torpedoing of deals thus far. Israel’s negotiators are due back in Cairo only on Saturday night.

However, notes reporter Udi Segal, if Mahmoud Abbas gives money directly to Hamas, a terrorist organization, US law would require that all aid to the PA be cut off immediately. Abbas will thus have to transfer the money to clerks who work for the Hamas government, but are not themselves members of the organization’s political or military wings.

Channel 2 also indicates that the cabinet is being briefed on the progress in Cairo, and that a deal may indeed be in the offing.