Preventing arms smuggling central Egyptian plan

Israeli officials are now in contact with Egyptian and Western diplomats to learn more about Cairo’s plan. Few details have been released but it is thought to involve bringing in foreign forces to seal the Egypt-Gaza border against Hamas arms smugglers while easing other trade routes.

Preventing Hamas from re-arming itself through tunnels under the border with Egypt is a key demand of Israel. An immediate 48-hour truce has been called for to allow the finer points of the plan. Another element being proposed is talks between Hamas and the rival Palestinian Fatah faction. Hamas gained control of Gaza after driving Fatah out in June 2007.

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tags: Israel, Mideast