Cairo, August 13 (RHC)-- Palestinian and Israeli officials continued indirect talks in the Egyptian capital of Cairo as the 72-hour truce in Gaza wound down.

Egyptian mediators shuttle between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators at the headquarters of the country’s General Intelligence, where the talks are being held. According to the Israelis, there has not been any progress in the talks and gaps yet remain wide.

Hamas wants an end to Israel’s seven-year blockade on the coastal enclave, but Tel Aviv says it will only take the measure if Hamas disarms, a condition that has been rejected by the Palestinian resistance movement.

The number of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza rises to 1,951 people as a truce between resistance movement Hamas and Israel enters its third day.

Meanwhile, Israeli minister of military affairs Moshe Ya'alon warned that the regime would resume its offensive against Gaza late on Wednesday if the two sides cannot reach a deal.

Israeli warplanes have been carrying out incessant airstrikes against the blockaded Gaza Strip since July 8th. On July 17th, thousands of Israeli soldiers launched a ground invasion into the densely-populated strip.

Nearly 400,000 Palestinian children are in immediate need of psychological help due to “catastrophic and tragic impact” of war, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).