Israeli officials: Hamas close to agreeing on long-term truce

Israeli security officials said Wednesday they believe Egypt and Hamas are progressing toward drafting terms for a long-term lull in fighting in the Gaza Strip, but that a number of unresolved issues remain between the two sides.

Egypt has set Thursday as the target date for signing the agreement, but the differences in opinion mean it may take several more days or even longer before a deal is reached. Israel is not participating in the talks, but is expected to arrive at a verbal agreement with Egypt that would allow the lull to continue at a later date.

Egypt is hoping the agreement includes a lull that will last a year and a half, while Israel prefers to see one lasting only a year, and in the framework of a non-binding agreement.

A key issue in the negotiations is the opening of Rafah crossing, which Hamas is seeking to have opened completely, with Turkish troops monitoring its operation, in accordance with a plan drafted by the United States three years ago. Egypt is opposed to such a move, but is nevertheless seeking to place a force loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the crossing, a proposal Hamas has thus far resisted.

Another outstanding issue is the Israeli request to create a half-kilometer buffer zone in the area known as the "security parameter" on the Palestinian side of the border fence with Israel. Israel is seeking to prevent the entry of armed militants to the area to combat the placement of explosive devices or the digging of tunnels there.

Another critical issue involves the link between the release of captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit with the lull and the opening of crossings. Israel is demanding that even a partial opening of the crossings be dependent on progress towards Shalit's release, for example providing a clear sign the soldier is still alive. Hamas has until now opposed such a link. Egypt has expressed uncertainty in relation to its capacity to force Hamas into such an agreement, but promised Israel it would make efforts towards that end.

Talks continued Wednesday between a Hamas delegation to Cairo and Egyptian intelligence officials over the new agreement.

Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday he hopes to convene an international peace summit in Paris this spring, after the Israeli political situation stabilizes.

Sarkozy brought up the idea of a conference in a meeting with U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell at a Monday meeting at the Elysee Palace.

The officials said the French president told Mitchell the peace process must be accelerated beginning immediately after Israeli elections and the establishment of a new government in Jerusalem.

"The Annapolis process is stalled," he said referring to the 2007 U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He cautioned, however, against returning to the "mistakes" of that summit, adding, "This time we must discuss the core issues, and set up a clear timetable."

Meanwhile, militants in the Gaza Strip launched a mortar shell Wednesday at southern Israel, which landed in the Eshkol Regional Council. No casualties were reported in the incident.