ISRAEL: The non-negotiation negotiations

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In what can be interpreted as a sign of progress in indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, Hamas on Monday denied any progress and Israel denied the talks were even taking place.

‘There is no cease-fire agreement with Hamas, and nor are there direct or indirect talks,’ said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

The indirect talks, meanwhile, continue quietly with Egypt playing go-between. Egyptian officials met with Hamas representatives last week in the Sinai city of El Arish and are scheduled to do so again this week.

At the very least, both sides have independently decided to cool off for a bit. There have been no Israeli air strikes or land incursions into the Gaza Strip for about five days. Palestinian rocket fire toward nearby Israeli cities has also dropped off dramatically.

Hamas spokesman Iman Taha acknowledged that Egypt was working to mediate between the two sides but said no cease-fire agreement had been reached.

“The current [calm] situation is more a tactical decision by Hamas than an agreement with Israel,’ he said.

— Ashraf Khalil in Jerusalem