Israel and Hamas begin talks on new border deal for Gaza Strip

Israel has said it wants the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm, or at least ensure it cannot re-arm, before considering the group’s demand that the territory’s borders be opened. Israel and Egypt imposed a closure after the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007.

The indirect talks are being held in Cairo, with Egyptian mediators shuttling between the delegations.

Disarming Hamas topped the list of Israeli demands presented in a meeting with mediators on Tuesday, said an Egyptian security official.

The Israeli delegation has since left for Israel but was to return to Cairo later today, the official added.

The Palestinian delegation is composed of negotiators from all major factions including Hamas and was to meet with Egyptian officials yesterday to be briefed on Israel’s demands, said Bassam Salhi, a Palestinian delegate,.

“The most important thing to us is removing the blockade and start reconstructing Gaza,” he said. “There can be no deal without that.”

He said the ceasefire, set to expire at 8am local time tomorrow, would likely be extended if more time for talks is needed.

An appeal to help hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes in Gaza will be launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee today.

The DEC, which brings together 13 leading UK aid charities in “times of crisis”, said half a million people have been forced from their homes, while up to 1.5 million have no access to water, sanitation or medical care.

To make a donation to the 
DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.