Egypt Says Israel Must Act After Hamas Accepts Gaza Truce Plan

Egypt, which has been mediating indirect talks aimed at halting the fighting in Gaza, said the onus for advancing the negotiations now rests with Israel after Hamas signalled its acceptance of the latest cease-fire proposal, according to comments relayed by Agence France-Presse on 18 August. Cairo’s statement indicates that the Islamist group has agreed to the terms on the table and that further progress depends on whether Israel will endorse the arrangement. No details of the proposal were disclosed, and Israeli officials have yet to issue a public response.