Palestinian Hamas movement, which was holding Egyptian-brokered indirect negotiations with the Israelis in Cairo, said Wednesday reaching a sustainable ceasefire with Israel required the "lifting of the siege on Gaza Strip.
"The sacrifices of the Palestinian people will not allow the bargaining over the rights and demands," Ismail Haniya, Hamas politburo chief, said in a statement.
"The threats of the leaders of the Israeli enemy boost our commitment with the demands of our people and most notably the lifting of the siege," he added.
The 72-hour truce is due to expire at midnight today, and the Israeli army has already started amassing troops at the borders with Gaza.
Haniya extended his full support for the Palestinian negotiating team in Cairo, saying he was confident the "delegation will not be blackmailed."