Hamas says it is pressing on with Gaza truce talks without Israelis

CAIRO/RAFAH, Gaza Strip - Hamas said it was pressing on with talks on securing a ceasefire in Gaza despite Israel's decision not to attend, while Washington appeared to take a tougher line in demanding its ally Israel ease the plight of suffering civilians.

The ceasefire talks, which began on March 3 in Cairo, are billed as a final hurdle to establish the first extended ceasefire of the five-month old war, in time for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan which is expected to begin on March 10.

Israel has declined public comment on the Cairo talks or its decision not to attend. A source had earlier told Reuters Israel would stay away because Hamas had refused its request for a list of names of all hostages it is holding that are still alive, information the militants say they will provide only once terms are agreed.

"Talks in Cairo continue for the second day regardless of whether the occupation's delegation is present in Egypt," a Hamas official told Reuters on March 4.

Washington, which is both Israel's closest ally and a sponsor of the talks, says a deal remains close, with an agreement already effectively agreed by Israel and only awaiting approval by Hamas.

"Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," US Vice-President Kamala Harris said on March 3. "Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."

In a speech signalling an apparent change of tone from the administration of President Joe Biden towards its ally, Ms Harris also used unusually forceful language to call for Israel to do more to alleviate the humanitarian plight of the Gaza Strip.