The official said the reason was that Hamas had not met two of Israel's demands: a list of hostages stating who was alive and who was dead; and confirmation of the percentage of Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages.
Israeli protesters hold banners and photos of hostages as they march in Tel Aviv to call for a ceasefire in Gaza - Photo: CNN
The official asked CNN not to be named because the conversation was about confidential diplomatic activities. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks that are expected to end the fighting.
Israeli officials said the decision not to send a delegation to Cairo was made after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad intelligence chief David Barnea - who has been Israel's key negotiator - agreed after Barnea was informed that Hamas had not met the conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said in a speech last Thursday: “I asked to know in advance the names of all the hostages who will be included in the list. I have not yet received an answer and it is too early to say, although we are very willing.”
Israel's decision not to send a delegation to Cairo came a day after a senior US official told reporters that Israel had "basically accepted" a proposal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza.
Meanwhile, a Hamas source told CNN there are still at least three sticking points before the group agrees to a deal with Israel: a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of displaced people to their homes in Gaza.
Quang Anh (according to CNN)
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