Palestinian negotiator says group 'less optimistic' as Gaza war talks with Israelis to resume

A Palestinian protester throws a glass bottle at Israeli soldiers during clashes, following a protest against the Israeli military action over Hamas in Gaza, in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, Aug. 15 , 2014. Israel and Hamas are now observing a five-day temporary cease-fire in an attempt to allow indirect talks in Cairo to continue. The negotiations are meant to secure a substantive end to the monthlong Gaza war and draw up a roadmap for the coastal territory, which has been hard-hit in the fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi) (The Associated Press)

Palestinian protesters face Israeli soldiers, following a demonstration to support people in Gaza and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo, Egypt, during clashes near the West Bank city of Nablus on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. Israel and Hamas are observing a five-day cease-fire which began at midnight Wednesday, in an attempt to allow talks between the sides in Cairo to continue. The negotiations are meant to secure a substantive end to the monthlong war and draw up a roadmap for the coastal territory of Gaza, which has been hard-hit in the fighting. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh) (The Associated Press)

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.