Hamas, Israel open talks in Egypt

DELEGATIONS from Hamas and Israel this week began indirect talks in Egypt on ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza, with US President Donald Trump judging that the Palestinian militant group was ready to compromise over his proposals for a deal.

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Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state intelligence, said the first round of talks ended "amid a positive atmosphere" and would continue yesterday.

Behind closed doors and under tight security, negotiators were to speak through mediators shuttling back and forth, only weeks after Israel tried to kill Hamas's lead negotiators in a strike on Qatar.

Al-Qahera News earlier said delegations were "discussing preparing ground conditions for the release of detainees and prisoners".

"Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working with both sides to establish a mechanism" for the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, it said.

Trump told reporters at the White House he was "pretty sure" a peace deal was possible.

"I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important ... I think we're going to have a deal."