Peace Talks Between Israel And Hamas Continue But Tensions Remain High

Gaza Talks Resume In Egypt As New Truce Holds -- CNN

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Indirect talks between Palestinians and Israelis, aimed at ending the hostilities in Gaza, have resumed in Cairo, Egyptian state-run EgyNews reported Monday.

The talks are taking place amid a three-day cease-fire brokered by Egypt.

Israel wants Hamas, the militant Islamic group that runs Gaza, to disarm as part of a demilitarization of the territory. The Palestinian delegation's demands include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza; a commitment to the 2012 memorandum of understanding, which called for an end to Israel's blockade on Gaza; an extension of fishing rights off the coast; and the reopening of air and seaports.

Israeli authorities restrict the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, saying they need to prevent weapons being imported.

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More News On The Israel - Hamas Peace Talks

All quiet on day two of Gaza truce as Cairo talks continue -- AFP
Gaza conflict: Fresh talks begin in Egypt -- BBC
Israelis at Cairo talks as Gaza truce holds -- Al Jazeera
Israelis, Palestinians begin new talks to end Gaza war -- Reuters
At talks in Cairo, Hamas wants Israel to allow Gaza airport and seaport -- Washington Post
Israel, Hamas begin another three-day cease-fire -- USA Today
Gaza homes 'uninhabitable' as tens of thousands come back to rubble -- The Guardian
Devastation becomes clear in Gaza as hopes rise of long-term peace deal after Egyptian-brokered 72-hour ceasefire is held overnight -- Daily Mail
Netanyahu Confronts Conflicting Pressures in Gaza War -- Defense News
U.N. names panel to investigate war crimes in Gaza -- Reuters
Israel-Gaza conflict: Hamas warns of ‘last chance’ for ceasefire, so how long will the truce last? -- Ben Lynfield, The Independent

Israel, Hamas Truce Talks Start In Cairo

Hamas Leaders In Egypt For Cease-Fire Talks Involving Israel -- CNN

Gaza City (CNN) -- Talks are set to resume Monday in Cairo between Israeli and Egyptian officials to further discuss the details of the Hamas-Israeli cease-fire, which began to take hold last week, Hamas said in a statement.

Discussions will include topics such as opening border crossings and easing Israel's economic blockade in Gaza, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's office said.

A high-level delegation from Gaza arrived in Egypt ahead of the talks "to complete arrangements," according to the prime minister's office.

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Update: Israelis, Palestinian militants begin talks in Cairo on truce details -- FOX News

My Comment: They may be talking .... but they are preparing for the next war. More here.

Hamas Chief Outlines Terms For Talks On Arab-Israeli Peace

From The Wall Street Journal:

DAMASCUS -- The chief of Palestinian militant group Hamas said his organization is prepared to cooperate with the U.S. in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict if the White House can secure an Israeli settlement freeze and a lifting of the economic and military blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Khaled Meshaal, 53 years old, said in a 90-minute interview at Hamas's Syrian headquarters that his political party and military wing would commit to an immediate reciprocal cease-fire with Israel, as well as a prisoner swap that would return Hamas fighters for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

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My Comment: The key part of this story is the following:

.... his organization would accept and respect a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders as part of a broader peace agreement with Israel—provided Israeli negotiators accept the right of return for millions of Palestinian refugees and the establishment of a capital for the Palestinian state in East Jerusalem.

That pledge falls short of recognizing Israel, a necessary step for Hamas to be included in peace talks ....

A non-starter to peace talks if you ask me.