Cease-fire? Tending Toward the Qatari Proposal

Two cease-fire outlines have been presented to Hamas and Israel: One initiated by Turkey and other by Qatar. The Turkish proposal was rejected due to the close ties between the head of Turkish intelligence, who brought the proposal, and Iran. The Qatari plan appears to be the one favored by Hamas and Israel

Jul 12, 2014, 09:04PM | Ran Archy

Iron Dome Photography: Channel 2 News

With reports regarding a cease-fire in the background, two proposals have been suggested to Israel and Hamas: One by Turkey, brought by the head of Turkish intelligence, and the other by Qatar. At this time the Turkish proposal was rejected due to the close ties between the head of Turkish intelligence and Iran. Among the two proposals, the Qatari plan seems to be the one favored by Hamas and Israel.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the outline should include a complete and long-term cease-fire – and that if that won't be achieved by diplomatic means, the operation will be extended, and will also include a ground operation. It was made clear to the two sides that Abu Mazen should be incorporated as a central figure in the negotiations. With that, an Israeli official told Channel 2 News that "to this point, no initiative included a long-term cease-fire".
Arab media reported today that a proposal for cease-fire, initiated by the Palestinians and with Egyptian and Qatari involvement, have been in the works. So far Hamas refused to acknowledge that such an outline for a cease-fire exists, but it did confirm that negotiations are taking place.
Ambiguous reports about the cease-fire outline: some media networks reported that the outline includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, while other reported that it will include the opening of Gaza's crossings. Other networks said that if the outline will be accepted – funds will be transferred to Gaza.