Egypt has been brokering truce talks since the end of Israel's war on Hamas a month ago. In any agreement, Israel would gradually ease its blockade of Gaza and Gaza militants would halt attacks on Israel.

There has been speculation that a cease-fire deal is close.

However, Hamas official said Saturday that new problems have come up. Hamas wants an 18-month cease-fire. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum says Israel created new obstacles by seeking an open-ended cease-fire.

Israel sought an unlimited truce in the past. A senior Israeli official said Saturday that a cease-fire would also have to be linked to a prisoner swap that frees an Israeli soldier held in Gaza.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.