BICOM

Palestinian sources report that long-term ceasefire talks in Cairo have been going well. A Hamas source told Ynet that a breakthrough had been reached. Reports suggest that a deal includes using Palestinian Authority funds to pay salaries of Hamas civil servants, a limited opening of the Gaza border crossings, a reduction in the buffer zone around the strip and an expansion of fishing.

However, none of Israel’s demands appear to be met under this formulation, apart from an end to rocket fire. Israeli sources have not commented, and the talk of a breakthrough could be premature. Israel’s security cabinet is meeting this morning to discuss the progress in the talks. It is not clear that a majority of the security cabinet would support the reported proposals, which does not include the issue of the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip.

There are other positive indications. For the first time, Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources have said that the groups might not return to rocket fire even if the ceasefire talks fail. Until now, they had always threatened to immediately restart rockets and violence. In addition, more Palestinians have begun to return home from shelters.

An AP piece which spoke to Palestinians in Gaza revealed widespread frustration against Hamas for continuing to fight while ordinary Gazans faced the consequences.