"Our hope is that the parties will agree to an extension of the ceasefire in the coming hours," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters.
She said that a US team, including acting Middle East peace envoy Frank Lowenstein, were staying in Cairo where Egyptian officials have pressed for a truce.
The United States has voiced concern to ally Israel about the number of Palestinian civilian casualties. But Harf blamed the end of the ceasefire squarely on Hamas.
"Israel appeared ready to agree to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas refused, started firing rockets against Israel and continues to make maximalist demands," Harf said.
Militants ended the truce by lobbing missiles, with Israel then carrying out 51 air strikes.
Hamas has pressed for Israel to make concessions in return for an end to the violence -- especially lifting an eight-year blockade that has squeezed the impoverished territory.
Harf said that the two sides would have time to discuss broader issues as part of a "sustainable ceasefire" once the violence ends.
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