Cairo talks extended for third day, Israel says Hamas yet to respond to its offer

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 terror group says.

Meanwhile, Israel denies that it received a Hamas counteroffer or is seeking to torpedo the talks.

“The delegation will remain in Cairo on Tuesday for more talks, they are expected to wrap up this round later today,” a Hamas official tells Reuters.

Egypt’s Qahera television also reports the talks have been extended for a third day, but says they are “facing difficulties.”

Earlier, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told Reuters the 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.

Asked about Naim’s claim that Israel was holding up the deal, a senior Israeli official says it is incorrect.

“Israel is making every effort to reach an agreement. We are awaiting a response from Hamas,” the official says.