Gaza truce talks continue in Cairo

By Nathan Morley

Egyptian TV reports mediators and Hamas have reached an agreement on several issues regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier, Al-Qahera News TV channel, a station in Cairo, quoted an unnamed senior official as saying that a Hamas delegation had arrived in the city discuss the terms for a ceasefire with Israel.

That delegation is currently studying the latest truce proposal and is – according to media reports - ‘determined to secure an agreement in a way that fulfils Palestinians' demands.’

Egypt has reportedly cautioned Hamas of the potential acceleration of tensions in Gaza should they fail to reach an agreement. The main stumbling block appears to involve whether the truce deal would be lasting or temporary.

Despite this, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is adamant there will be a fresh military ground operation in the city of Rafah, even if a deal is settled.

Israel commenced a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to hit back against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border in October last year, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken captive.