Push for peace
HOPES of a de-escalation in the violence in Israel have firmed as efforts by major players in the region to secure a ceasefire were stepped up this week.
According to reports, Israel and Hamas are close to a deal that will see a halt to the bloody conflict that has rocked the region for more than a week.
The moves came following a commitment from Israel on Sunday to defer a ground offensive in the hopes of achieving a diplomatic solution.
But as diplomatic wrangling intensified, so too did the violence. According to the IDF Twitter feed, Hamas intelligence operations were “surgically targeted”. Smuggling tunnels containing explosives, weapons storages, weapon factories and a system of tunnels used to transport gas were hit by Israel as rockets continue to be launched from Gaza.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Jerusalem on Tuesday, as Egyptian president Mohammed Mursi continued attempts to broker a cessation in hostilities. Clinton reiterated the US’s commitment to Israel. “America’s commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation in Gaza,” Clinton said.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon touched down in Cairo on Tuesday before flying to Jerusalem to meet Israeli leaders, while German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also met with senior officials from both sides.
At a joint press conference with Ban, Netanyahu said, “If a long-term diplomatic solution can be put in place through diplomatic means, then Israel would be a willing partner.”
A spokesperson for Hamas said the organisation was awaiting Israel’s response to a ceasefire proposal.
World leaders worked to complete an agreement that could bring a halt to the violence on Tuesday, one of the bloodiest days in the conflict.
Israeli forces continued strikes inside Gaza, reportedly killing 12 people, while 200 rockets were lobbed into Israel, killing an IDF soldier, the fifth Israeli casualty since fighting broke out.
ADAM KAMIEN
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