Gaza truce talks resume in Egypt without Israeli representation

Talks resumed in Egypt Saturday aimed at halting months of war in Gaza between Hamas militants and Israel that have triggered protests around the world.

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States sat down with a Hamas delegation to hear the militant group's response to a proposal that would halt fighting for 40 days and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to details released by Britain.

Read moreIsrael downplays reports of progress in truce talks as Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo

After the talks began, a top Israeli official accused Hamas of "thwarting the possibility of reaching an agreement" by refusing to give up its demand for an end to the war.

Shortly before 9 pm (1800 GMT), a senior Hamas source close to the negotiations told AFP the talks had ended for the day and would resume on Sunday.

The prospect of an assault on Rafah has sparked deepening international concern.

"Tough and long negotiations are expected for an actual deal," the official added.

More deaths

"War is not holy, life is," the protesters chanted.


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