Reuters reports that Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal is ready for a cease-fire in Gaza. But he says his acceptance of any proposal depends on an end to Israeli attacks. He also wants to open Gaza's borders and end the seven-year blockade by Israel and Egypt.

This doesn't change much. Citizens in Gaza have been pushing to end the blockade throughout this bitter two-week conflict, and Israel and Hamas haven't come to any agreement. Meshaal, speaking to reporters from exile in Qatar, said today he wouldn't accept a deal without negotiating first. "Everyone wanted us to accept a ceasefire and then negotiate for our rights, we reject this and we reject it again today."

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wants an immediate cease-fire and then a discussion about opening borders. Secretary of State John Kerry made a surprise visit to Israel today to meet with Ban, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. All Kerry could say about the meetings so far is that "there is still work to do."

[Image via AP]