Fingers crossed: Israel, Palestine resume talks to broker Gaza peace deal

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators in Cairo are trying to hammer out a roadmap for the Gaza Strip after Egypt announced a 24-hour extension of the cease-fire to allow more time for the talks. [caption id=“attachment_1670819” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Reuters[/caption] The extension of the truce fanned hopes of an emerging deal, however vague, though wide gaps remain. Palestinian delegate Qais Abdel-Kareem says discussions resumed on Tuesday morning on key issues, including Israel’s blockade of Gaza, its demands for Hamas’ disarmament and Palestinian demands for a Gaza port and airport. Palestinian ambassador to Cairo, Jamal Shoback, says the Israelis have proposed arrangements that are about “not (fully) removing the blockade but easing it.” The Gaza war killed more than 1,900 Palestinians, most of them civilians, while Israel lost 67 people, all but three of them soldiers. Associated Press