Fighting in Gaza intensified today after a temporary truce made way for humanitarian relief early in the afternoon. Word also came from French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Israel and the Palestinian Authority agreed to an Egyptian-French plan for Gaza. But Hamas has so far refused, saying it does not guarantee open borders and an end to the violence. The U.S. has also thrown its support behind the cease-fire brokered by France and Egypt, which calls for limited cease-fire periods so humanitarian goods can be delivered to Gaza and allows Egypt time to continue working toward a permanent cease-fire. Israel has vowed to continue its assault on Gaza until it is satisfied that Hamas will be unable to rearm itself. Israeli officials on en route to Cairo to take part in further peace negotiations.
