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.
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.
