http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MIDEAST?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULTUS seeks three-tier cease-fire for Gaza violence
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A State Department spokesman says the Bush administration is pressing for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip that would include three main elements, including a halt to Hamas rocket firing into Israel.
Spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been working the phones with numerous foreign leaders in pursuit of such a cease-fire agreement. He said much detailed work remains to be done.
McCormack said that in addition to halting the rocket fire from Gaza, the proposed cease-fire would include an arrangement for reopening crossing points on the border with Israel. The third element would entail addressing the issue of tunnels into Gaza from Egypt through which Hamas has smuggled a variety of materials, including arms.