Palestinian delegation arrives in Cairo for cease-fire talks

Palestinian sources say officials from Hamas, Fatah and Islamic Jihad will discuss Egyptian proposal as united government; Lifting blockade of strip to top the agenda.

By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Doha (photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Doha
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian and Egyptian sources reported that a Palestinian delegation, comprised of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad representatives, arrived on Thursday morning in Cairo to discuss a potential cease-fire agreement with Israel.
Earlier, Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar reported that according to senior Palestinian sources, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas spoke with the Secretary General of the Islamic Jihad, Ramadan Shalah, and told him that the groups were willing to "participate in the Egyptian discussions, as one united government."
Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram reported Thursday morning that the delegation will hear from Egyptian officials about the cease-fire that has been accepted by Israel. The report stated that the delegation was comprised of Fatah member Azam al-Ahmad, Fatah head of intelligence General Majad Faraj, Deputy Secretary General of the Islamic Jihad Ziad Nahla, and senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk.
Palestinian sources said the delegation decided to include the opening of the Rafah crossing in the cease-fire talks, as well as discussions of opening all the borders of Gaza.
The sources added that Egyptian officials pressed Abbas to convince the sides to agree to a two-day cease-fire, in order to convince Israel to accept Egypt's newest initiative.