Hamas negotiators will remain in Cairo for another day in a bid to keep ceasefire talks alive, an official from the militant group said on Tuesday.
“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”.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, said earlier that the militant group had presented its proposal for a ceasefire agreement to the mediators during two days of talks, and was now waiting for a response from the Israelis, who did not attend, Reuters reported.
“(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, Mr Naim said.
While Israel has declined to comment on the ceasefire talks, reports suggest it stayed away because Hamas had rejected its demand to provide a list of all hostages who are still alive.
The talks, which have been ongoing for two days without breakthrough, aim to broker an extended ceasefire, during which time Israeli hostages would be free and aid pumped into Gaza.
