Hamas's armed wing said Friday there would be no compromise on the movement's demand that Israel withdraw from Gaza to secure the release of its hostages.
"Our top priority to reach a prisoner exchange deal is the complete commitment for the halt of aggression and an enemy withdrawal, and there is no compromise on this," Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a televised statement.
Mediators had been scrambling to lock in a truce before the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin on Monday depending on the lunar calendar.
On Thursday, Hamas's delegation voiced dissatisfaction with Israeli responses to its demands and left the latest round of talks in Cairo for consultations.
Hamas has been demanding that Israel withdraw from Gaza, which Israel has refused to do.
Any new truce deal was expected to involve the exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Abu Obeida also called for "our people" to mobilise and "crawl" towards the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.
Palestinians inspect the rubble of a building in Deir el-Balah following Israeli bombardment, in the central Gaza Strip, on Friday. AFP
