By Xinhua,
Gaza : Talks between Hamas leaders and Egyptian officials could not achieve more progress regarding Egypt’s offer for a ceasefire in Gaza Strip, a Hamas website reported on Wednesday.
Hamas delegation went to Cairo this week to hear Israel’s response to the ceasefire which is expected to last for six months in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
A Hamas news website, Paltimes.net, quoted sources from the delegation as saying that the talks with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman “did not result in anything due to the Israeli side’s inflexibility.”
The report explained that Israel wants “lull for lull” without lifting the blockade it has imposed on Gaza Strip since Hamas took over the territory in June. Hamas wants the reopening of crossing points into Gaza under the ceasefire deal.
“Hamas delegation will not accept what is being offered now because the interest of the Palestinian people is lifting the siege and stopping the aggression,” said the sources on condition of anonymity.
When Suleiman visited Israel to present the offer, Israel said it will abide by a full ceasefire and reopen the crossings if Hamas released an Israeli soldier it kidnapped in June 2006.
Hamas and Suleiman are scheduled to hold another round of discussions later on Wednesday.