Introduction to the evening news 20-11-2012

It is expected that Cairo will declare tonight reaching a cease-fire regarding Gaza conflict after one week of Israeli aggression against the Strip. In case the declaration takes place, it will be considered as the culmination of the diplomatic efforts conducted by Egypt under an Arab and international cover, in the first regional role of such importance for Egypt after the Arab Spring.                 

The Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi headed to Gaza, presiding over an Arab ministerial delegation, which included the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, while the UN Secretary General travelled from Cairo to Occupied Jerusalem.                 

However, the political efforts were being conducted amid an exchange of threats. As Yasser Arafat did, holding the gun in one hand and the olive branch in the other hand, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that "Israel extends a hand of peace and hold the sword with the other hand." Netanyahu's sword was interpreted by continuous airstrikes against Gaza, with tens of thousands of soldiers waiting on the borders for an order to invade Gaza. However, Hamas's armed Brigade al-Qassam warned Israel that a ground invasion of Gaza will be costly to its armed forces.                         

The following question arises: did the race between a ground war and a cease-fire agreement really end?


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