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.

This means that this upcoming round will not be the last, in light of the difficulty in settling these major issues. The next round has yet to be scheduled.

“The option of military operations in case of failure of the upcoming negotiations between the two sides is not on the table at all since the cease-fire agreement clearly specifies the cessation of all land, sea and air hostilities between Gaza and Israel. [It also] provides for refraining from any ground invasion operations of Gaza and the targeting of civilians and for halting the firing of rockets and various types of attacks on the border,” the source said.