Trump says Gaza ceasefire 'very close' and hints deal could be done 'by Sunday'

The US president started a roundtable event by speaking about his 20-point peace plan for Gaza, telling reporters that negotiations were going well and ceasefire was imminent.

"We have a great team over there, great negotiators. It's something that I think will happen, it's got a good chance of happening," he continued.

"I may go there some time before the end of the week, Sunday actually, and there's a very good chance, negotiations are going along very well."

Read More: Hamas sets out conditions for Gaza ceasefire as Trump hopeful for 'peace in the Middle East'

Trump's latest words com after Israeli officials told The Times of Israel that a ceasefire deal will could be agreed within the next 24 to 36 hours.

Mediators are reportedly planning for an agreement that would see the immediate release of the remaining living hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.

This progress comes after three days of ceasefire talks in Egypt.

Amit Segal, chief political analyst at Israeli broadcaster N12 News, claimed it came after Hamas provided information about the 20 living Israeli hostages.

Mr Segal said Benjamin Netanyahu's government had already started drafting a proposal that would be brought to a vote as soon as possible.

Despite Hamas saying it is ready to agree to Mr Trump’s 20-point plan, its negotiating team has demanded a number of conditions be met before a deal is signed - including Israel’s total withdrawal from Gaza.

Under proposals agreed between the US and Israel, a so-called “Board of Peace” overseen by figures including Sir Tony Blair would run the Palestinian territory.

Speaking ahead of Wednesdays negotiations, Khalil Al-Hayya, who is leading Hamas’ delegation, told Egyptian state media that his team is ready to "to engage in serious and responsible negotiations".

He said Hamas is ready for peace but needs “guarantees” to ensure Israel’s war, which has killed over 60,000 people, “is not repeated.”