Israel, Hamas to resume indirect cease-fire talks in Cairo

 Ic in Cairo Tuesday discussing a long-term cease-fire following seven weeks of deadly Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Saturday.
An Israeli official told the Walla! news website that the Israeli and Palestinian delegations will resume indirect talks through Egyptian mediators, to discuss core topics on the agenda to reach a permanent truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant factions in the Gaza Strip, headed by Hamas.
The official said Egypt invited both sides to meet on Wednesday. But due to the celebrations of the Jewish Hebrew New Year on Wednesday, the Israeli side asked to move the discussions one day earlier.
The Israeli delegation consists of the same people who conducted indirect negotiations during the Gaza offensive.
Among them are attorney Yitzhak Molcho, a top member of Israel's negotiation team on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoram Cohen, head of the Shin Bet Security Agency and Amos Gilad, director of policy and political-military affairs at the defense ministry.
Israel demands the Gaza Strip to be demilitarized and Hamas be disarmed, while Hamas demands the construction of a seaport on the Gaza Strip coast and restoring the territory's airport, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for remains of Israeli soldiers.
Hamas, which took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, and Israel ended fighting on Aug. 26 with an indefinite truce.
They reportedly agreed to conduct indirect negotiations mediated by Egyptian officials a month after the cease-fire comes into effect.
More than 2,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, as well as 72 Israelis including 66 soldiers died during Operation Protective Edge.
On Tuesday, UN Middle East Envoy Robert Serry told the UN Security Council that Israel and the Palestinians reached a deal on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, giving a lead role to the Palestinian Authority in the reconstruction effort.
Israel has agreed to ease restrictions and let materials get into the enclave through two crossings under its control, with the UN assuring Israel it will monitor the materials and make sure they are used for civilian purposes.