US President Donald Trump says he’s “optimistic” a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be agreed next week after Hamas announced that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day truce with Israel.

Discussions over a ceasefire are intensifying as Israel kills more Palestinians, sowing doubts that a deal can happen.

Momentum for a ceasefire is mounting as the U.S. has stepped up diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, applying pressure to both Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement that also includes a mechanism for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.