Report: Egypt proposes compromise offer to Israel, Palestinians on Gaza conflict

Formula allegedly includes implementation of cease-fire in Gaza, opening border crossings between Gaza, Israel.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi looks on as he delivers a speech in Cairo. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi looks on as he delivers a speech in Cairo.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Egypt has reportedly proposed a compromise offer to the Palestinians and Israel that includes the implementation of a cease-fire in Gaza and the opening of border crossings between the enclave and the Jewish state, according to a report in pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Sunday.
According to the report, discussions will be scheduled at a later time regarding the "controversial demands" of the parties only after tensions are eased. The Egyptian formula purportedly holds for such talks to last until a final resolution is achieved.
Specifications about the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt were not detailed in the report.
Also on Sunday, a senior Palestinian delegation member in Cairo said Palestinian negotiators will leave Cairo on Sunday unless Israel agrees to return to Egyptian-mediated negotiations to end the conflict in Gaza.
"Within the next 24 hours, the delegation's presence in Egypt will be determined," Moussa Abu Marzouk, the deputy chairman of Hamas's political bureau, told Reuters in an interview late on Saturday at the delegation's hotel near the Cairo airport.
He said the decision would be made after a meeting on Sunday with Egyptian mediators, who have met separately with each party about at least three times this week.
Delegation head Azzam Ahmed told Al Arabiya television the Palestinian factions in Cairo for the negotiations would leave "if it is confirmed to us that (Israel) will not return except with conditions."
Israel has said it will not take part in truce talks while violence continues to target the country. Its delegation has not returned to Cairo since it left early Friday morning, shortly before a 72-hour cease-fire expired.
The Palestinians refused to extend the cease-fire, saying Israel was stalling and had refused to accept demands including an end to the blockade of Gaza and the opening of a seaport.
The IDF continued to carry out air strikes over the weekend in response to terrorist rocket fire that resumed immediately after the three-day humanitarian cease-fire ended, jeopardizing international efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.