Egypt Prepares Possible Olmert-Abbas Pact On Gaza

It was not clear what that agreement would entail since Israel and Hamas have yet to settle their differences over ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak may sign an agreement as early as Sunday that could underpin a proposed truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Western officials said on Friday.

It was not immediately clear what that agreement would entail since Israel and Hamas have yet to settle their differences over the terms of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Western officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it would likely include security arrangements for Gaza's borders with Egypt and Israel. Both countries want Abbas and his forces to reassert control at key crossings.

Israel refuses to deal directly with Hamas, shunned by the West for refusing to recognise the Jewish state and renounce violence, and it wants Abbas's Palestinian Authority to reestablish its presence in the coastal territory.

Egyptian officials told Olmert that a signing ceremony could take place on Sunday, but Israel responded that it was premature to commit to that date since Hamas and Israel have yet to agree on the terms of a truce, Israeli sources said.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is visiting the region, may attend any ceremony, the Western officials said.