JERUSALEM (NEWSnet/AP) — Efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas suffered a setback Wednesday.

Israel recalled its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of hobbling the high-stakes negotiations by sticking to “delusional” demands.

“In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement. "A change in Hamas' positions will allow progress in the negotiations."

Netanyahu's remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered a delegation not to continue talks in Cairo.

It sparked criticism from families of 130 remaining captives.

Relatives of the hostages said Netanyahu's decision amounted to a “death sentence” for their loved ones.

Hamas officials had no immediate comment.

On Tuesday, CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, attended the talks in Cairo, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. Negotiation continued Wednesday at a lower level, even as deadly violence persisted both in Gaza Strip and along Israel's border with Lebanon.

Israeli media reported Wednesday that Netanyahu told his delegation not to return to discussions unless Hamas softens its demands.

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