WASHINGTON: Hamas has not yet met terms for a ceasefire in Israel's 19-day military offensive in the Gaza Strip, a State Department official said Wednesday, contradicting reports from the Middle East. "It's not a done deal yet. They're still working it. There are a number of Hamas conditions that are having to be dealt with," the official told media on condition of anonymity after the White House voiced skepticism about Hamas. In Cairo, an Egyptian diplomat said Hamas has accepted an Egyptian truce proposal and Egypt is awaiting Israel's response. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told reporters in Jerusalem that Hamas has accepted it. The U.S. State Department official did not say which Hamas conditions were posing a problem. Hamas insists on an end to Israel's blockade of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, and an opening up of crossing points to normal traffic. The Egyptian plan calls for an "immediate ceasefire and acceptance of withdrawal" of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, but talks are required to determine who monitors crossing points. Israel has made an end to its offensive conditional on a halt to Gaza rocket fire against southern Israel and creating an effective mechanism to halt smuggling into the territory from Egypt.
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