John Kerry Pushes for Weeklong Truce in Gaza (UPDATED: It’s Not Happening)

A source close to Secretary of State John Kerry told the New York Times that today, he may announce a weeklong truce between Hamas and Israel.

The truce, which is still in the final stages of negotiation, would be a humanitarian truce rather than an end to conflict, and would coincide with end-of-Ramadan festivities. While it’s unclear whether the Israelis or Hamas will agree to the ceasefire (Hamas’s leader has stated he would not accept an enduring ceasefire unless the economic blockade on Gaza is lifted), Kerry’s limited time in the region has hastened discussions.

Also a driving factor: the conflict has killed 797 Palestinians and 35 Israelis, and the violence has escalated to the point where rockets are hitting United Nations property.

UPDATE — 2:13 PM EST:

BREAKING: Israel media: Israel's security cabinet unanimously rejects Kerry's proposal for Gaza truce.

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 25, 2014

[NYT]
[Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]
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