Gaza ‘ceasefire is likely, a deal is attainable’ – Israeli official

An Israeli official says that a hostage deal is “more likely than not,” as talks between Jerusalem and Hamas advance.

By Lauren Marcus, World Israel News

A senior Israeli official said on Wednesday that an announcement about a ceasefire and hostage deal was imminent, adding it was “more likely than not” that a deal will be reached in the near future.

The official, speaking anonymously, told the Times of Israel that he believes “a deal is attainable.”

Stressing the complications of dealing with the terror group, the official said, “Negotiating with Hamas isn’t easy or short, and I can’t give a timeline, but it is within reach.”

He emphasized that Jerusalem was “not glued to war; the war itself isn’t an ideology; it’s a tool,” adding that “there may be an effort, possibly a major one by various actors, to bring about [a diplomatic solution]. We’re not there yet, it’s a bit premature, but that effort may come.”

Both sides have reportedly softened their demands in recent days.

In a major shift, Hamas now appears willing to drop its requirement for an official Israeli commitment stating that the ceasefire is permanent.

Instead, Hamas is prepared to accept a personal guarantee from Trump that the truce will remain in effect until a long-term agreement is secured.

Israel is also said to be compromising, agreeing to a more significant military pullback than originally proposed, in line with Hamas’s demands.

The Israeli official’s remarks come on the heels of President Trump hinting that he will soon share “good news on Gaza.”

Trump’s comments were made shortly before hosting Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House for dinner.

The Gulf kingdom’s leader has hosted negotiators from Jerusalem and the terror group numerous times over the past 20 months in an effort to broker a ceasefire.