US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed optimism that a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be finalised within the coming days, as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump said: “Gaza — we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week.”
The comments come amid a renewed push to secure a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
Earlier, Trump had confirmed that Israel had accepted the proposed conditions for the temporary truce, with Hamas also responding positively to the framework. The deal, if finalised, would include the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages held in Gaza, in exchange for a halt to hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Despite public objections by Israeli officials to what they called “unacceptable” amendments made by Hamas, an Israeli delegation was dispatched to Doha over the weekend to continue talks — a sign that both sides remain engaged in diplomacy.
Negotiators have reportedly made progress on several fronts, but one key obstacle remains: Israel's insistence on maintaining control of a “buffer zone” around Gaza’s perimeter during the truce. Hamas has rejected this condition, viewing it as a de facto occupation.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have also announced their intention to maintain a military presence in Rafah — the southernmost city of Gaza — even if a ceasefire is enacted. Israel has further proposed establishing a “collection camp” in the area, aimed at processing and potentially deporting Palestinians to third countries, a plan that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and international observers.
The US administration has continued to back the Qatari-Egyptian mediation effort, with hopes that a temporary ceasefire could lay the groundwork for broader, long-term peace discussions. However, analysts remain cautious, pointing out that past efforts have repeatedly faltered at the last minute due to mistrust and competing political agendas on both sides.
The conflict, which reignited in October last year, has resulted in the deaths of over 52,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, and displaced hundreds of thousands. The Israeli side has also suffered significant casualties, primarily during the early days of Hamas’ October 7 incursion.
