Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to extend the Gaza truce for another 24 hours.  The Egyptian government which is hosting the talks says that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations in Cairo to try and reach a permanent deal.

The Palestinians are hinting that this could be the last extension to the ceasefire that began last Wednesday.

“Until now there is no progress,” said chief Palestinian negotiator Azzam al-Ahmad.  “There are hidden voices who are trying to put obstacles in our way.  We have agreed on an extension for another day – just one day.  Whether we agree or not, just one day.”

Visiting an Israeli Navy base in Ashdod, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that Israel is prepared to respond forcefully if Hamas resumes firing rockets ar Israeli territory:

“We are preparing for any outcome.  The Israeli team was instructed to insist firmly on Israel’s security needs, and the Israel Defense Forces is gearing up for a very forceful response if the fire resumes,” Netanyahu said.

However, other factions of the Palestinian negotiating team say there is no desire to return to fighting.

“The war is behind us now,” said Ziad Nakhleh of Islamic Jihad, in Cairo as part of the Palestinian delegation.  “We are not returning to war.”

The Gaza Ministry of Health said Monday that the death toll in Gaza had reached 2,016.  The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) says 64 of its soldiers and three civilians have been killed.