Israel-Hamas conflict: Gaza truce talks extended by a day

CAIRO/RAFAH/GAZA STRIP: Hamas negotiators will remain in Cairo for another day at the request of mediators, keeping ceasefire talks going after two days with no breakthrough, an official from the militant group said on Tuesday. The Cairo talks have been billed as a final hurdle to reach the first extended ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel- a 40-day truce during which Israeli hostages would be freed and aid pumped into Gaza - ahead of Ramadan, which is due to begin at the start of next week. "The delegation will remain in Cairo on Tuesday for more talks, they are expected to wrap up this round later today," a Hamas official told Reuters. Egypt's Qahera television also reported the talks had been extended for a third day, but said they were "facing difficulties".

Earlier, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told Reuters the militant group had presented its proposal for a ceasefire agreement to the mediators, and was now waiting for a response from the Israelis, who have stayed away from this round. "(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu doesn't want to reach an agreement and the ball now is in the Americans' court" to press him for a deal, Naim said.

A senior Israeli official, asked about Naim's comments that Israel was holding up the deal, said: "The claim is incorrect. Israel is making every effort to reach an agreement. We are awaiting a response from Hamas." Israel has declined to comment publicly on the talks in Cairo.