A truce with Israel is not being discussed at the Cairo talks between the leaders of Palestinian resistance groups, the Damascus-based leader of the resistance movement Hamas has said.

"A truce is not on the table of negotiations," Khalid Mishaal told Egyptian television in an interview on Thursday. 

Palestinian groups gathered in the Egyptian capital have opposed the concept of a unilateral cooling down period to that of a fully-fledged truce, for which they would request something in return from Israel. 

Truce not possible

Mishaal said the Jewish state had not met the basic demands of resistance organisations, arguing that a truce deal was not possible. 

"Israel has been flip-flopping on the issue of the prisoner release, the evacuation of cities and a halt to the construction of the separation wall, as well as other demands," he said. 

"This position does not offer circumstances conducive to a truce," Mishaal said. "We have therefore decided to extend the cooling down period in order to give the other side a chance to deliver on its commitments." 

According to Palestinian officials taking part in the talks, a final statement was expected to be issued later on Thursday.

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Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal. (AFP)