Agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage exchange is possible within the next two weeks, "Reuters" reports, citing a senior Israeli official, News.bg reports.
According to him, if the two sides agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israel will use this period to propose a long-term ceasefire. However, this will depend on Hamas's willingness to disarm.
If the Palestinian group refuses to disarm, Israel will resume military operations in Gaza, the source added.
On July 9, Hamas announced that during negotiations with Israel an agreement had been reached to release 10 Israeli hostages.
A day earlier, a meeting was held between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The main topics of conversation were the situation in Gaza and the Iranian nuclear program. A second meeting between the two is also expected, focusing primarily on the conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said that the number of outstanding issues between Israel and Hamas had been reduced from four to one, a sign of progress in the negotiations.
In early July, President Trump said that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.