A Palestinian girl stands on rubble as she looks at the destruction in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip after a house was targeted by an Israeli strike. AFP
On Friday, Trump raised expectations that a ceasefire agreement could be reached within the next week between Israel and Hamas.
“We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of,” he told reporters.
On Sunday, he reinforced this message on his Truth Social platform, saying: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”
However, Israeli officials cited by Yedioth Ahronoth said they had not been informed of any changes or developments that would justify such confidence. They noted no signs of flexibility from either Hamas or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding an end to the war.
Officials speculated that Trump’s optimism might be aimed at leveraging political momentum following the Israel-Iran ceasefire to secure another diplomatic win in Gaza.
While acknowledging that intensive behind-the-scenes contacts are ongoing, they insisted that no tangible results or real breakthroughs had been achieved so far.
On Saturday, Israeli sources reported some progress in negotiations on a ceasefire and captive release.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, although talks have advanced, they have not yet reached the stage of sending a formal delegation. The main sticking points reportedly involve conditions for ending the war and guarantees demanded by Hamas.
Netanyahu's expected US visit
An Israeli official, in a potential sign of movement on a new deal, told the Associated Press that plans are being made for Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit Washington, DC, in the coming weeks.
The official declined to reveal the focus of the visit and discussed plans that had not yet been finalized anonymously.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Netanyahu, is also expected in Washington this week for ceasefire-related discussions.
A White House official said the Trump administration plans to urge Dermer to prioritize ending the war and releasing remaining Israeli captives.
The official noted that the issue of dismantling Hamas could follow later.
While Washington is reportedly optimistic, it remains unclear how firmly the US will pressure Israel to reach a deal.
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