US president says Gaza deal possible next week

US President Donald Trump on July 4 expressed optimism about a possible Gaza ceasefire, saying it was a good sign that Hamas had responded in "a positive spirit" to a US-brokered proposal.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said a deal could be reached by next week, although he noted that he had not yet been briefed on the latest developments in the negotiations, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

Hamas, for its part, confirmed that it “has submitted its positive response” to Egyptian and Qatari mediators and was “fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework.”

A Hamas official stated that the group was seeking assurances for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a lasting truce. Trump reportedly pledged that an initial 60-day ceasefire could be extended if necessary.

The latest diplomatic push comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza. On July 4, at least 20 Palestinians were killed while trying to access humanitarian aid, according to officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

The United Nations said that 613 Palestinians have died in the past month while attempting to obtain food.

By Sabina Mammadli