CAIRO (AP) — The European Union is offering to take charge of the border crossings in and out of Gaza, and to work to prevent illegal weapons shipments. The offer came as EU foreign ministers held an urgent meeting in Brussels about global conflicts.

The Europeans are insisting on a durable truce for Gaza, and saying a return to the status quo for the region “is not an option.”

Meanwhile, negotiators from Hamas have been meeting with the leadership of the Islamic militant group in Qatar to discuss a proposal for a long-term truce with Israel. An official said the group was inclined to accept the offer, which came in talks mediated by Egypt.

The Gaza blockade remains the main stumbling block. It has greatly limited the movement of Palestinians in and out of the territory. It’s also restricted the flow of goods into Gaza and blocked virtually all exports.

The proposal is believed to include the lifting of some restrictions, with Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ forces assuming responsibility for border crossings under new arrangements with Egypt.

Israeli officials have said little about the negotiations, saying only that the country’s security needs must be met.

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APPHOTO NI108: Palestinian protesters face Israeli soldiers, following a demonstration to support people in Gaza and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo, Egypt, during clashes near the West Bank city of Nablus on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. Israel and Hamas are observing a five-day cease-fire which began at midnight Wednesday, in an attempt to allow talks between the sides in Cairo to continue. The negotiations are meant to secure a substantive end to the monthlong war and draw up a roadmap for the coastal territory of Gaza, which has been hard-hit in the fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh) (15 Aug 2014)

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