The result of the Gaza ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel would be announced in "coming hours, " the official MENA news agency reported Thursday, quoting a senior Egyptian source.
The talks between the two sides were "positive," the Egyptian official was quoted as saying, adding that he expected the outcome of the talks to be announced "soon."
Meanwhile, a well-informed Palestinian source also told MENA that "the outcome of the talks would be announced in coming hours. "
The source, who took part in Thursday's talks between a Hamas delegation led by its politburo deputy chief Moussa Abu-Marzouk and Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, said during the talks, the Hamas delegation presented to Suleiman its latest stance on the ceasefire officially suggested by Cairo last week, Xinhua reported.
Egypt has proposed an 18-month truce in Gaza and staged opening of the enclave's border crossings, which until now only allow the flow of a trickle of humanitarian aids.
It also suggested that the Palestinian factions revive the long- stalled reconciliation dialogue on Feb. 22, which would facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza, home to some 1.5 million people.
Egypt has been endeavoring to mediate a lasting truce to replace the fragile ceasefires, declared on Jan. 18 separately by both sides, ending Israel's 22-day massive assault in the Hamas- ruled Gaza Strip.
About 1,300 Palestinians were killed and 5,500 others wounded during the war, while 14 Israelis have died since the launch of the deadly offensive in Gaza on Dec. 27.
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