A senior Israeli official stated on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas might be able to achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and release hostages within a week or two, although a resolution is not anticipated within a single day.
The official, speaking during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, noted that if both sides agree to a proposition for a 60-day ceasefire, Israel would take this opportunity to propose a permanent cessation of hostilities, contingent upon the disarmament of the Palestinian militant group.
The official, who requested anonymity, indicated that if Hamas declines this offer, “we will proceed” with military operations.
Netanyahu met with Trump on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff remarked that Israel and Hamas are nearing a ceasefire agreement after 21 months of conflict.
Trump had previously predicted the possibility of a deal emerging this week, leading to speculation about a potential announcement before Netanyahu’s return to Israel on Thursday.
However, on Wednesday, Trump seemed to extend the timeline slightly when he told reporters that although the agreement is “very close,” it could be finalized this week or even the following week, albeit “not guaranteed.”
According to an informed source, four days of discussions in Doha did not yield significant progress on key outstanding issues.
The Israeli official, who spoke to reporters in Washington, refrained from detailing the negotiations.
Witkoff also informed reporters during a government meeting on Tuesday that the anticipated agreement is expected to involve the release of ten live hostages and the return of the remains of nine others.