Home News Israel plans truce keeping troops in Gaza

Israel plans truce keeping troops in Gaza

Published on 17/01/2009

JERUSALEM - Israel is expected to end its attacks but keep its forces in Gaza. Hamas says it will only declare a truce once all its demands have been met, including a complete withdrawal of all Israeli troops.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has convened an emergency summit to will be held in the resort of Sharm el-Sheik on Sunday.

It will be attended by European leaders, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who helped organise the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Mubarak reiterated that Egypt will not allow in foreign observers to prevent arms from being smuggled across the Gaza border.

He said Hamas receives most of its weapons by sea.

Britain, France and Germany have offered to deploy war ships to stop the weapons from reaching Gaza.

Radio Netherlands/ Expatica