Israeli official says when ceasefire will be announced

Citing “intense” negotiations, an Israeli official said that a “breakthrough” with Hamas could be reached in the near future.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli intelligence and diplomatic officials believe a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal with Hamas could be announced later this week, according to a report from Channel 12.

“The direction is positive — we’ve overcome a significant obstacle and are moving forward, hoping to reach a breakthrough,” an Israeli source told the outlet.

“The negotiations are very intense,” he added. “If Hamas does not create new obstacles, it’s possible that Witkoff will arrive in Doha in the coming days.”

Several key issues remain unresolved, including the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the terms for releasing Palestinian prisoners.

However, recent reports suggest both Israel and Hamas have softened their positions, fueling optimism that progress is within reach.

An Israeli official told the Times of Israel last week that it is “more likely than not” a deal will be finalized soon.

He emphasized that “a deal is attainable,” despite the challenges, noting that “negotiating with Hamas isn’t easy or short.”

The official added that Jerusalem is open to diplomacy. The Israeli government is “not glued to war; the war itself isn’t an ideology; it’s a tool,” he said.

“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.”

In a significant shift, Hamas is now reportedly prepared to drop its demand for a formal Israeli pledge of a permanent ceasefire.

Instead, the group is willing to accept a personal guarantee from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the truce will remain in effect until a long-term deal is secured.

Israel has also reportedly agreed to a broader military pullback than originally proposed, in a move seen as a concession to meet Hamas’s conditions.

Last Wednesday, Trump hinted that an agreement may be imminent.

“We have good news on Gaza and good news on a couple of things that we are working on on a very high level,” he told reporters at a White House bill signing ceremony.