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If talks fail, Hamas says it will not return to war

There is little hope a breakthrough will be achieved in the upcoming talks in Cairo between Hamas and Israel, but Hamas officials say they are unlikely to resume armed conflict at this stage.
Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya (C) speaks to the media upon his return to Gaza City from truce talks in Cairo August 14, 2014. A renewed truce between Israel and Hamas appeared to be holding on Thursday despite a shaky start, after both sides agreed to give Egyptian-brokered talks more time to try to end the Gaza war. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTR42EMW
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The indirect Palestinian-Israeli negotiations are expected to resume in Cairo on Sept. 23 to discuss a permanent cease-fire, with little hope of a breakthrough.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, an Egyptian official, who is close to the upcoming negotiations, said that talks will be tough between the two sides. The source explained that the two parties stand on opposite sides, far apart. The Israeli delegation is expected to demand the disarmament of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas will demand the construction of a seaport, the operation of the airport and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for delivery of the bodies of Israeli soldiers.

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