CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – A Palestinian official says 30 members of various factions are gathering in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian mediators over finding a comprehensive truce with Israel and a measure of unity among the divided factions.
Mohammed al-Baba, a leading member of the Popular Resistance Committees says that the groups will meet Tuesday evening with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman.
Al-Baba, whose group has close ties with Hamas and other Palestinian factions, says that a prisoner swap involving the exchange of a number of Palestinians for Cpl. Gilad Shalit is also in the agenda.
Hamas have said before that it is ready for a six-month truce. Israel has dismissed the offer, saying Hamas wants to use the lull to rearm after sustaining heavy losses in recent fighting.