Gaza ceasefire talks extended in Cairo for another day: Reuters

YEREVAN, MARCH 5, ARMENPRESS. 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 told Reuters.

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 on March 10.

"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 Al Qahera television also reported the talks had been extended for a third day, but said they were "facing difficulties".

The Israelis have stayed away from this round of negotiations. A source told Reuters earlier that Israel was staying away because Hamas had rejected its demand to furnish a list of all hostages who are still alive. Egyptian security sources said on March 4 they were still in touch with the Israelis to allow the negotiations to continue without an Israeli delegation present.

Washington, which is both Israel's closest ally and a sponsor of the ceasefire talks, has said an Israeli-approved deal is already on the table and it is up to Hamas to accept it.

More than 30,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's assault in Gaza, launched after Hamas attacks in Israel that killed 1,200 people in October.