CRI听力:Indirect Peace Talks between Israel and Palestine Resume

Israel and Palestine have resumed indirect talks in Cairo as the current 5-day ceasefire approaches an end.

There are reportedly talks about presenting an Egypt-brokered ceasefire proposal to the United Nations Security Council.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he supports the Egyptian talks aimed at producing a cessation of hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

But a Palestinian legislator named Mustafa Barghouti says "a complete elimination of the siege" is required for an extension of the ceasefire.

"There are two things we don't accept: first is to have constant prolongation of (the) ceasefire without lifting the siege- and second that the ceasefire would be violated by Israel whenever it wants."

Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced his uncompromising attitude towards Israeli security at a weekly cabinet meeting.

"If Hamas thinks its defeat on the battlefield will be papered over by a victory at the negotiating table it is mistaken. If Hamas thinks that by continuing the sporadic shootings it will make us agree to concessions it is mistaken, as long as the silence does not return to Israel, Hamas will continue to suffer hard hits."

Following a three-day truce, the current ceasefire came into effect last Thursday. And it is due to expire at midnight, Monday.

More than 2,000 people, mostly Palestinians, have been killed since the latest conflict began on July 8.