The Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported that mediators are working to advance negotiations for a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, with the aim of reaching progress before or during Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East. A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that negotiations with the US had been ongoing for several days, and characterized the talks as "advanced" with regard to a possible ceasefire.
In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers on the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that he believes Hamas will make a gesture ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the region and release hostage Edan Alexander.
Returning to the Asharq Al-Awsat report, sources told the newspaper that the US is showing strong interest in reaching a deal. Hamas sources reportedly expressed "optimism" and suggested that an agreement could be announced within 48 hours, though they cautioned that this depended on the sides reaching an understanding.
A senior Palestinian source familiar with the details of the talks told Reuters that Hamas is engaged in discussions with the US administration on two core issues: a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid into the area. These talks are taking place in parallel with the mediation efforts surrounding Trump's upcoming visit to the region.
According to the same Hamas sources, the American side is pushing for a partial agreement. However, the leadership of the terrorist organization is demanding a written agreement with clear American guarantees, including personal assurances from Trump, regarding the next phase of ending the war, without any Israeli violations.
The sources added that delegations from Egypt and Qatar, in coordination with the US, have put forward numerous proposals and attempted to bridge gaps on key issues. According to the report, there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a partial deal that would include a second stage involving a comprehensive ceasefire, contingent on favorable responses from Israel and the US.
