Media: Israel, Hamas may reach Gaza ceasefire within weeks

Israel and Hamas could potentially reach a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement within one or two weeks, but not within a day, a senior Israeli official said on July 9.

Speaking during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, the official stated that if both sides agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israel would use that period to push for a permanent ceasefire requiring Hamas to disarm, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

“If Hamas refuses, ‘we’ll proceed’ with military operations in Gaza,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

President Donald Trump met Netanyahu on July 8 for the second time in two days to discuss Gaza. Trump’s Middle East envoy indicated that Israel and Hamas were nearing a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal after 21 months of conflict.

Trump had earlier predicted a deal could be reached this week, sparking speculation of an announcement before Netanyahu’s July 10 departure for Israel. On July 9, Trump extended the timeframe, saying while an agreement was “very close,” it might happen this week or next, “though not definitely.”

A source familiar with Hamas’ position said four days of indirect talks in Qatar failed to break through major sticking points.

The Israeli official declined to provide negotiation details. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters on July 8 that the agreement would involve releasing 10 living and nine deceased hostages.

Netanyahu’s visit followed closely after Trump ordered bombing Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israeli airstrikes. Trump helped arrange a ceasefire in the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump and his aides are leveraging Iran’s weakening—Hamas’ backer—to push both sides toward a Gaza war breakthrough.

On July 9, Hamas stated in an official announcement that it had "shown the necessary flexibility" and agreed to release 10 living hostages. However, it also noted that disagreements remain on two main issues: the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave and guarantees of a permanent ceasefire after the temporary truce expires.

By Vugar Khalilov