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Egypt calls for Gaza ceasefire

July 14, 2014

Egypt has proposed an initiative to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas. It remains unclear whether either side will accept the terms of the deal.

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Image: Reuters

Egypt's Foreign Ministry proposed the initiative on Monday, which would take effect at 0600 UTC on Tuesday. It includes a ceasefire of all land, air and sea hostilities within 12 hours of that time, followed by negotiations between delegations from both sides in Cairo within 48 hours.

The ceasefire would also include the opening of crossings to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

"Egypt believes the success of this initiative will no doubt help in creating the environment for serious negotiations," the ministry stated.

There was no immediate reaction from Israel or Hamas. Both sides have said they are not yet prepared to accept a ceasefire.

The initiative was expected to be discussed at an Arab League meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo later Monday.

The proposal comes on the eve of a scheduled visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to Egypt, where he is expected to push for a halt to the seven days of bloodshed that has killed at least 172 in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza-based Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) has said more than three quarters of the victims were civilians.

hc/kms (Reuters, AFP, dpa)