Palestinian negotiator says 'no progress' in Gaza truce talks

AFP , Tuesday 19 Aug 2014

The chief Palestinian negotiator conducting indirect talks with Israel for a long-term Gaza truce said there had been "no progress," with less than five hours to go before a temporary ceasefire expires.

The Palestinian delegation presented their demands for a truce to Egyptian mediators and were awaiting Israel's response, said the official, Azzam al-Ahmed.

"There has been no progress," he said of Tuesday's talks. "Matters have become more complicated."

Since August 5, both Israel and the Palestinians have renewed several temporary ceasefires ending a devastating four week war, as Egyptian mediators race to bridge the gap between the two sides.

The Palestinians, especially Hamas group in Gaza, insist Israel end its blockade of the enclave. Israel says any agreement must meet its security conditions. 

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