(VOVworld) – Hamas’s deputy leader Moussa Abu Marzouk said on Thursday that the group could be forced to negotiate directly with Israel, ahead of planned talks in Cairo to consolidate a truce.

Hamas' deputy leader Moussa Abu Marzouk (Photo: AFP)

The statement was made in the context of the degrading humanitarian situation in Gaza strip. But Israel’s Science Minister Yaakov Peri dismissed any possibility of talking directly with Hamas. Earlier, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Tzahi Hanegbi warned that Hamas may resume violence if no political results were reached at the upcoming negotiations in Cairo. Under the long-term ceasefire reached by Hamas and Israel on August 26^th, the two sides agreed to resume negotiations mediated by Egypt for one month to discuss major issues, including Hamas’s request to open a seaport and airport and the exchange of prisoners.