Hamas demands all militant groups take part in Cairo talks

CAIRO, July 31. /ITAR-TASS/. All Palestinian resistance groups should be included in the delegation in Gaza Strip ceasefire in Cairo, proxy of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Maher al-Taher said on Thursday.

This was a condition of Hamas that controlled the enclave, he added. Hamas demands five seats in the talks to represent both PFLP and The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).The Palestinian delegation had not yet been formed, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said on Thursday morning.

No date for the negotiations has been set yet. According to earlier reports, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah proxies are already in Cairo; other reports say they are expected to arrive in the evening or on Friday.

Egypt's proposal made two weeks ago suggests an immediate end of bloodshed and military actions on land, at sea and in the air, and alleviation of sufferings of Palestinians in the occupied territories. Israel is to stop any ground intrusion in the enclave, whereas Palestinian groups are to cease military operation against Israel. Cairo also proposed to open border checkpoints for easier movement of people and goods.

Islamist leaders earlier rejected the initiative demanding lifting of Gaza blockade. Egypt Foreign Ministry said no amendments would be made to the conciliation plan. but on Wednesday was reported to be ready to revise the initiative taking into account Palestinian requests.

According to Egyptian media on Thursday, the country has prepared a new plan suggesting a temporary five-day truce to start simultaneously with indirect Palestinian-Israeli talks. In the meantime, Egyptian mediators are to get Israel lift the blockade and open checkpoints.

The revised plan also includes a provision on release of Palestinian hostages including those set free in Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit exchange deal and again arrested by the Israeli forces and detained Palestinian deputies.

Israeli high-ranking delegation visited Cairo on Wednesday to meet Egyptian intelligence service proxies. The details have not been disclosed yet.