“Israel” to allow window for captive deal before expanding Gaza offensive: official

“Israel” will allow a window for a captive exchange deal during a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Middle East before a planned expansion of its Gaza offensive, a senior “Israeli” security official said Monday.

"The deployment of forces prior to the start of the maneuver will allow a window of opportunity until the end of the US president's visit to the region to carry out a hostage deal," the official said.

Trump is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13-15.