Israel leaning toward accepting Egyptian proposals for Gaza ceasefire

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman during their meeting in Jerusalem yesterday that although his government views positively the Egyptian ceasefire proposals, Israel will not accept a Gaza ceasefire unless it deals with the issue of arms smuggling and the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. To advance a prisoner exchange deal, Israel is also willing to allow the reopening of the Rafah border crossing in return for Hamas's agreement to transfer Shalit to Egypt. Israel has so far objected to the reopening of the crossing, which may fortify Hamas's control over the population and economy in Gaza.

"Shalit is an integral element of the situation," Olmert spokesperson Mark Regev said following yesterday's meeting. "Hamas cannot expect Israel to sit by idly when they are holding a young serviceman hostage now for almost two years." Talks on a prisoner swap involving Shalit have been halted due to disagreement over the prisoners Israel would release in return. Shalit's father, Noam, expressed support for Israel's proposal to condition a ceasefire agreement on the release of his son and called on Egypt to create a timetable of events leading up to his son's release.

Suleiman recommended to Israeli leaders to first accept the ceasefire with Hamas and then negotiate over Shalit. Israeli state officials said last night that Suleiman's visit may lead to an agreement that will bring calm to the situation in Gaza. The officials estimate that the ceasefire will be a gradual process and will likely include a deal over the fate of Shalit.

During the meeting between Suleiman and Defence Minister Ehud Barak yesterday, Barak said that the IDF would be forced to launch an intensive campaign into Gaza if Qassam rocket attacks failed to be prevented.

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