An Egyptian security source said Monday that the Palestinians and Israel "totally approve Egypt's vision on a truce between them," the state MENA news agency reported.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is always keen on supporting the Palestinian cause, seeks to gradually lift the blockade on the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip, the well-placed source was quoted as saying on condition of anonymity.

The Egyptian vision would help settle protracted issues between the two sides, including the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and Palestinian captives, the source added.

Egypt has been exerting efforts to reach a Palestinian-Israeli ceasefire deal that would help put forward the stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, but not tangible results have been reached up to now.

During a meeting with Israeli Defense Ministry's senior official Amos Gilad in Cairo on Sunday, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman said the Palestinian movement Hamas agreed to Egypt's ceasefire proposals which he discussed with Israeli officials during a recent visit to Israel, the source said.

But Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Monday Israelis on a collision course with Hamas and should the ceasefire continue to remain elusive, the collision could come any time in the next few days.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2008)