Israel agrees to shrink Gaza buffer zone

In response to Egyptian mediation, Israel is ready to shrink the security zone inside the Gaza Strip by 200 meters, provided the Palestinian Hamas observes a further 72-hour ceasefire going into effect at midnight Sunday, Aug. 10, DEBKAfile’s intelligence sources report..

 

And if the truce holds overnight, Israeli negotiators will return to Cairo Monday morning to resume the talks interrupted by Hamas rocket fire Friday.

 

DEBKAfile further reports that Israel may allow Gaza Strip to have a seaport at some time in the future, in return for the territory’s demilitarization – but not an airport. These concessions, say our sources, are not yet on the table, but part of a potential future deal that depends on Hamas holding to its side of the bargain, including disarmament and a permanent ceasefire.

Read More: For new ceasefire, Israel agrees to shrink Gaza buffer zone, for Hamas demilitarization, a seaport.