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Optimism fades as talks to resume on Gaza war

A Palestinian protester throws a glass bottle at Israeli soldiers during clashes, following a protest against the Israeli military action over Hamas in Gaza, in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, Aug. 15 , 2014. Israel and Hamas are now observing a five-day temporary cease-fire in an attempt to allow indirect talks in Cairo to continue. The negotiations are meant to secure a substantive end to the monthlong Gaza war and draw up a roadmap for the coastal territory, which has been hard-hit in the fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) A Palestinian protester throws a glass bottle at Israeli soldiers during clashes, following a protest against the Israeli military action over Hamas in Gaza, in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, Aug. 15 , 2014. Israel and Hamas are now observing a five-day temporary cease-fire in an attempt to allow indirect talks in Cairo to continue. The negotiations are meant to secure a substantive end to the monthlong Gaza war and draw up a roadmap for the coastal territory, which has been hard-hit in the fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)

By Associated Press August 17, 2014 1 min read

CAIRO (AP) – A Palestinian negotiator says his side is “less optimistic” on indirect talks with Israel over the Gaza war as a deadline on a temporary cease-fire looms.

The negotiator spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity as the Palestinian team arrived at the Cairo International Airport. Israeli officials were expected to arrive later.

A current cease-fire in the war is due to expire at midnight Monday (2100 GMT).

The Palestinian negotiator says that a key sticking point remains Hamas’ insistence that Israel to pledge to end its Gaza blockade before the talks conclude.

The United Nations says close to 2,000 Palestinians have been killed – most civilians – and more than 10,000 people have been wounded since the war began July 8. Israel has lost 67 people, all but three soldiers.