Dubai. May 22. INTERFAX-Egyptian mediators on Saturday held talks with the Israeli government and the Palestinian authorities in order to consolidate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure a long-term peace, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing an Egyptian diplomat.
He said on condition of anonymity that Egypt has sent two teams of negotiators - to Israel and to the Palestinian territories. The source noted that the discussions were also about agreeing on measures in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem that would prevent a repeat of the recent surge in violence. He did not elaborate on the details of the consultations.
In turn, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the head of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, spoke about the restoration of the Gaza Strip and relations between the Palestinians.
The AP notes that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is expected to visit the region next week to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders.
On Friday night, a cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian groups from the Gaza Strip came into force. Before that, for 11 days, the Israel Defense Forces attacked Gaza in response to rocket launches from there: in total, more than 4 thousand rockets were fired at Israel.
More than 250 people were killed, including 12 Israeli civilians. The Palestinian authorities reported the deaths of 243 Palestinians, including 66 children, but did not specify how many of the dead were members of armed groups. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in turn, announced the destruction of more than 200 militants, including 25 commanders.
AP points out that both Israel and Hamas claimed victory in the conflict.
