(MENAFN) President Donald Trump indicated that a potential halt in hostilities between Israel and Hamas might be finalized as early as next week, based on what he described as a “positive” reaction from the Palestinian faction to a U.S.-led initiative, media outlets reported on Friday.

“There could be a deal on a Gaza ceasefire by next week,” Trump stated to journalists aboard Air Force One, emphasizing that he had not yet received a detailed update on the progress of the talks, as reported by a news agency.

Hamas confirmed it “has submitted its positive response” to mediators from Egypt and Qatar and was “fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework.”

A representative from Hamas mentioned the group's demand for assurances involving a full Israeli troop withdrawal and a durable cessation of violence.

Trump allegedly assured that an initial 60-day truce might be prolonged if necessary.
The effort to secure a ceasefire comes amidst ongoing bloodshed.

Officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported that no fewer than 20 Palestinians lost their lives on Friday while trying to receive humanitarian assistance.

According to the UN, 613 Palestinians have perished over the past month in efforts to obtain food.

Air raids conducted by Israel in Gaza’s Muwasi region killed 15 individuals, including eight women and a child, per reports from local medical centers.

The Israeli Defense Forces noted they are assessing the occurrences.

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