Trump signals progress in Gaza ceasefire talks

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that negotiations to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining captives are gaining momentum, telling officials during a Cabinet meeting that “we are getting closer” to a deal.

Trump’s remarks come as US envoy Steve Witkoff continues working alongside Egyptian mediators to broker a temporary agreement that could satisfy both "Israel" and Hamas.

Speaking to Axios, "Israeli" officials expressed growing optimism, suggesting a deal could be reached within the next two weeks. However, they acknowledged that major disagreements still need to be resolved.

The renewed push for a truce follows "Israel’s" decision on March 17 to relaunch its military campaign in Gaza with widespread airstrikes, targeting what it said were Hamas strongholds. Since then, "Israeli" ground troops have re-entered the territory, aiming to retake control of roughly 25 percent of the Gaza Strip in a bid to pressure Hamas into releasing more captives.

Despite weeks of indirect negotiations, facilitated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, no agreement has been finalized.

“I'd like to see the war stop. And I think the war will stop at some point that won't be in the too distant future,” Trump said earlier this week during a meeting with "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.