Al-Ahram: Egyptian security delegation discuss with Israeli officials defusing current crisis

The Egyptian security delegation under the chairmanship of Major General Mustafa Al Behairy, Major General Mohamed Ibrahim and the membership of counselor Ahmed Abdul-Khaleq Friday had talks with Israeli officials in Jerusalem in the framework of Egypt's intensive efforts for defusing the current crisis between Israel and the Palestinians.

A high level source told Al-Ahram that the Egyptian delegation informed the Israeli side that the Palestinian factions were committed to cooling off and hence Israel in turn should stop provocative measures which could push the Palestinian to react.

The source said that the Egyptian delegation held a meeting Thursday night with the commanders of Hamas Movement, Islamic Jihad, the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Quartet representative.

The source said that the meetings with the Palestinian factions focused on cooling off, adding that the commanders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the People's Front renewed commitment to cooling off in line with Cairo declaration.

The source said that the factions stressed the need for stopping Israeli provocations and asserted that the upcoming stage would witness virtual halt of operations from Gaza.

The source said that efforts of the Egyptian delegation were currently focused on defusing the current crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and bringing about calm as an initial step towards discussing the post withdrawal arrangements mainly the issue of Rafah crossing.