Trump Says Good Chance of Hostage Deal With Hamas During the Week

He Is Set to Meet Israeli PM in Washington as Indirect Talks on Truce Take Place in Qatar

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JERUSALEM - US President Donald Trump said on July 6 that there was a "good chance" of a hostage deal with Hamas "during the week," ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I think there's a good chance we have a deal with Hamas... during the coming week," Mr. Trump told reporters amid mounting pressure on Mr. Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and end the war in Gaza after almost two years.

Mr. Netanyahu said on July 6 that he hoped his talks in Washington could "help advance" a Gaza ceasefire deal.

The two leaders were scheduled to meet at the White House on July 7 - Mr. Netanyahu's third visit since Mr. Trump returned to power in January.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas took place in Qatar on July 6.

"We've gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out," Mr. Trump said.

He said the US was "working on a lot of things" with Israel, including "probably a permanent deal with Iran."

Mr. Trump also repeated claims that US strikes had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict.

Speaking before boarding Israel's state jet bound for Washington, Mr. Netanyahu said: "We are working to achieve this deal that we have discussed, under the conditions that we have agreed to."

He had previously said Hamas' response to a draft US-backed ceasefire proposal contained "unacceptable" demands.