WarSclerotic

Hamas source: Negotiations have failed, Ynet News, Elior Levy, Attila Somfalvi, August 13, 2014

(Confusing? — DM)

Haniyeh says ‘long-term ceasefire possible only if Israel lifts siege’, Netanyahu, Obama talk ceasefire, but chances of deal being reached seem slim with lull set to expire midnight.

Head of the Palestinian delegation, Azzam al-Ahmed, said Wednesday that talks in Cairo have ended, but did not say if a deal had been reached. Meanwhile a Hamas source said negotiations have failed and that the Palestinian delegation will announce it is leaving. Israel has reportedly accepted the deal.

A source within the Palestinian delegation confirmed that the Israeli delegation has left and since landed back in Israel, but said that “last minute efforts are still underway.” The Palestinian delegation was expected to hold a press conference at 9:30 pm (local time) and announce the results of negotiations, but the conference has since been postponed.

Azzam al-Ahmed (Photo: AFP)

Hamas’ political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh reiterated Hamas demands for a long-term ceasefire as parties met to discuss the extension of the current three day ceasefire set to expire midnight Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the White House says Obama and Netanyahu spoke about a possible Gaza ceasefire in phone conversation Wednesday. Earlier, the IDF said it was repositioning its forces near Gaza, in case no deal is reached an fighting resumes.

Nonetheless, Haniyeh’s comments seem to indicate that the current round of talks will not yield a long lasting deal, but could possibly see another 72-hour extension to the current lull in fighting. This scenario was confirmed as likely by a source close to the talks.

The Israeli delegation to ceasefire talks has left Cairo and is on its way back to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, sources in the Palestinian envoy said that a press conference would be held at 9:30pm local time to announce the products of the negotiations.

Palestinian delegation (Photo: Reuters)

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