Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel is open to negotiating a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce, contingent on the territory's demilitarization. Negotiations began in Doha,

But it added: "In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages - on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to - be continued. The negotiating team will leave tomorrow."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he feels "hopeful" about a ceasefire in Gaza. He shared this during a press talk at the ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Rubio said Israel and Hamas seem closer to agreeing than they've been in recent times.

Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Trump's announcement, and in their public statements the two sides remain far apart.

PM says Israel will agree to start talks on permanent ceasefire once 60-day truce commences; Hamas tells mediators it won't accept updated Israeli maps of IDF partial Gaza withdrawal

In a move meant to demonstrate “necessary flexibility,” Hamas has announced plans to release ten Israeli hostages to help accelerate stalled ceasefire negotiations with Israel. The militant group said the gesture is part of “intensive and responsible efforts” to reach a comprehensive agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza