Egypt delegation to announce ceasefire progress in next few days

Israel requested “an official postponement of the actual implementation of any understandings” with Hamas until after the April 9 election, according to a Palestinian report.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Palestinians gather in front of the gate of Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza during a protest against the blockade, in the southern Gaza Strip July 3, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)
Palestinians gather in front of the gate of Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza during a protest against the blockade, in the southern Gaza Strip July 3, 2017.
(photo credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)
The Egyptian security delegation will announce in the next day or two whether there is progress between Israel and Hamas on reaching a long-term ceasefire agreement or whether these attempts have failed, according to a report by a Palestinian journalist in the Gaza strip. The reporter said it looks like Hamas and Israel may be at a standstill. 
Media is quoting a Palestinian reporter as saying that, “Israel is ready to reach understandings and implemented the first part of its agreement on Monday with the expansion of the fishing area.” However, Israel requested “an official postponement of the actual implementation of any other understandings” until after the April 9 election, the report said.
“Hamas rejected this request outright and made it clear that the situation would escalate if Israel did not reach understandings in the coming hour,” according to the Palestinian report.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously made clear that the impending elections would not be an obstacle to launching a large-scale military operation against Hamas. 


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