New cease-fire plan proposed to Israel, Palestinians

Marcy Oster

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Egyptian mediators have proposed a new cease-fire plan to Israel and the Palestinians.

The Palestinians are willing to accept the deal if Israel does, the French news agency AFP reported, citing an unnamed senior Palestinian official.

The deal calls for the lifting of the blockade of Gaza, and the allowing in of construction materials to rebuild Gaza. Discussion on disputed issues would be left for negotiations a month’s time if the cease-fire holds. The disputed issues, including the demilitarization of Gaza and a Gaza airport, have prevented the signing of a long-term cease-fire since the start of the 49-day-long Israeli operation in Gaza.

The Palestinians and Israel have both been contacted with the details of the proposal, an unnamed Egyptian official told AFP. There was no Israeli response by mid-Monday afternoon.