Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resumed indirect talks in Cairo today, hours after they extended a cease-fire by another 24 hours in an attempt to give negotiations more time to succeed.
NPR's Jackie Northam, who is in Jerusalem, reported on the extension of the talks for our Newscast unit. Here's what she said:
"Hamas wants a full lifting of the 7-year blockade of Gaza and a new seaport. Israel says it's willing to loosen some border restrictions, allowing easier access for people and goods, including some construction materials, in and out of the Palestinian enclave. But Israel also wants a full demilitarization of Gaza. Analysts say this, like other tough demands, may have to wait for later negotiations. For now, if some agreement can be reached on relatively easier issues, it could prevent a resumption of fighting when this latest ceasefire extension ends" at midnight local time or 5 p.m. ET.
Unlike on previous occasions in the current flare-up when a cease-fire has expired, there were no reports on Hamas firing rockets into Israel or of an Israeli response. Fighting between the two sides began in June following the kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank and the subsequent killing of a Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem. The fighting has so far claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 67 Israelis, mostly soldiers. But it has also had an enormous social and economic impact on both sides.
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