Gaza Offensive: Israel Will Stop Assault During Egyptian Prime Minister's Visit

Israel Will Stop Assault On Gaza During Egyptian PM's Visit
An Israeli solider rides on top an armored personal carrier close to the Israel Gaza Border, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Israel's prime minister says the army is prepared for a "significant widening" of its operation in the Gaza Strip. Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters on Thursday that Israel has "made it clear" it won't tolerate continued rocket fire on its civilians. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
An Israeli solider rides on top an armored personal carrier close to the Israel Gaza Border, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Israel's prime minister says the army is prepared for a "significant widening" of its operation in the Gaza Strip. Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters on Thursday that Israel has "made it clear" it won't tolerate continued rocket fire on its civilians. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

JERUSALEM, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Israel will stop its offensive action in the Gaza Strip during a three-hour visit by the Egyptian prime minister to the territory on Friday, a senior Israeli government official said.

Egypt's Prime Minister Hisham Kandil prepared to visit the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented display of solidarity with Hamas militants embroiled in a new escalation of conflict with Israel.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to an Egyptian request to cease all offensive operations in Gaza during the visit of the Egyptian prime minister there this morning, which is supposed to last for about three hours," the official said.

"In the answer that has been forwarded to Egyptians, we've said that the Israel Defense Forces will cease fire on the condition that there won't be fire from Gaza into Israel during that period," the official said.

Before You Go

March 22, 2004

Timeline: Israel And Hamas In Conflict

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