BICOM

An expected ceasefire announcement from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad failed to materialise on Tuesday evening, with both sides continuing to pursue military action. Hamas accused Israel of failing to provide a response to a ceasefire proposal, but hopes remain that a deal can be reached before an Israeli ground operation.

According to Israeli reports, the emerging outline of the agreement is that a ceasefire will be announced, prompting a 72-hour period in which talks will be conducted to determine ‘understandings’. These are expected to include Israel’s cessation of targeted killings, except in the case of a ‘ticking bomb’ target and a commitment to examine relief measures in the blockade on the Gaza Strip. Israel would also cease its strikes on Gaza, whilst retaining the right to respond if rockets are fired. Hamas has apparently committed not to attack any Israeli target, either civilians or soldiers and has also undertaken to enforce the cease-fire on all the factions in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the organisation has consented to a ‘security zone’ to be set up along the border fence.

Reports claim that Israel has rejected the Palestinian demand for Egyptian guarantees, in favour of a supervisory body to be made up of three as yet undetermined international partners. Egypt will be key to the deal however, as it has reportedly promised to open the Rafah crossing and ease the restrictions on those entering and leaving the Gaza Strip, while committing to Israel that it will take action to prevent arms smuggling.

The cabinet has not yet approved the ceasefire and some critics say it would be fragile, given the number of parties involved. Nevertheless, efforts continue to reach an understanding and to avoid an escalation.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton arrived in Israel Tuesday evening and held a late-night meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where she reaffirmed US support for Israel and echoed calls for a durable solution to the conflict.  This morning she will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and before flying to Cairo, in an attempt to reinforce President Mursi’s role in bringing Hamas and Israel together. Also involved in this intense diplomatic effort, are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who have been attempting to mediate between Cairo and Jerusalem. UK Foreign Minister William Hague expressed his support for a truce in the House of Commons yesterday, with Middle East Minister Alistair Burt continuing to meet with various leaders in the region.