Hamas-Israel truce to be unveiled late August: Source

By Turgut Alp Boyraz and Esat Firat

JERUSALEM

A truce deal between Hamas and Israel will be officially unveiled by the end of August, according to a Hamas source.

The source, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity, said Hamas and Israel would observe a two-week trial cease-fire as part of the deal, which was brokered by Egypt and the UN (with input from Turkey and Qatar).

Under the agreement’s terms, the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip would be opened on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, Israeli restrictions on the Kerem Shalom border terminal -- Gaza’s only functioning commercial crossing -- would also be eased dramatically.

The deal also reportedly calls for the establishment of a seaport and airport in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula for use by the people of Gaza.

The truce, which is expected to last for at least five years, would also include the release of four Israelis, including two soldiers, currently held by Hamas.