(VOVworld) – Talks in Cairo between the Palestinians and the Israelis have come to a standstill with both sides rejecting the other’s conditions for a long-term ceasefire.

An Israeli soldier gestures from atop a tank after crossing the border back into Israel. Israel pulled its ground forces out of the Gaza Strip at the start of a 72-hour ceasefire with Hamas.

Responding to Israel’s conditions, Hamas negotiators bluntly opposed all proposals by Tel Aviv or the Egyptian mediators, even the mere possibility of extending the 72-hour-ceasefire which ended on Friday. Hamas warned of new attacks on Israel if its own demands are not met. Hamas said it will accept the extension unless Israel ends its blockade of the Gaza strip and other seaports. Hamas also warned that the group is likely to withdraw from the talks.
Israel said it was willing to extend the ceasefire but refused Hamas’s demands to release 125 Palestinian prisoners and reopen the seaport in Gaza.
Hamas has resolutely rejected Israel’s demand that the group disarm. Israel warned it will retaliate if Hamas resumes its attacks.