Optimism fades as talks to resume on Gaza war

CAIRO — 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.