Trump says Gaza ceasefire deal could come this week

President Donald Trump says a ceasefire agreement in Gaza may be imminent.

(CNN)- President Donald Trump says a ceasefire agreement in Gaza may be imminent. “I think we’re close to a deal on Gaza. We could have it this week,” Trump told reporters Monday, as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

Negotiations have reached a critical phase. Delegations from Israel and Hamas are holding proximity talks in Doha — one of the final steps before a formal agreement.

Both sides have signaled openness to a framework for a 60-day ceasefire. The proposed deal would include the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies. In return, Israel would partially withdraw from northern Gaza, and Hamas would secure the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

A source familiar with the talks says the deal would also open the door for discussions on a permanent truce and allow the United Nations to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Liran Berman, whose two younger brothers are believed to be among the hostages, urged leaders to act swiftly. “The hostages need to get out by any means necessary right now. Twenty of them are presumed to be alive, including my two little brothers. They have limited time,” he said.

Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international communities to end the conflict. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.

“We are exhausted psychologically and physically,” said one man standing near the ruins of his home. “I agree to a 60-day truce, even if it’s 50 or 40 days—just to rest a little.”

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that hundreds have died in recent Israeli airstrikes, including dozens over the weekend. Many of the victims were killed near U.S.-backed food distribution sites.