Truce in Gaza Holding for Now
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Spencer Platt/Getty Images(GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip) — For now, all is in quiet in Gaza as the Israelis and the militant group Hamas observe a 72-hour truce that allows Palestinians to gather essential items just in case there is another violent siege.
The temporary truce that began 10 p.m. Sunday has also prompted Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to resume talks in Cairo in an effort to form a more lasting peace.
Ominously, however, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that the new talks would be “the last chance” for an agreement that would end the conflict that has cost the lives of more than 1,900 Palestinians and 67 Israelis.
Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, insists that Israel lift its blockade and allow the opening of a seaport.
The Israelis, who want assurances that Hamas will stop firing rockets at their homeland, say these conditions can only be addressed during ongoing peace talks with Palestinians from the West Bank who are seeking their own state.
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