President Donald Trump said Sunday that negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may be nearing a breakthrough, suggesting a deal could be reached “over the next week.”

Speaking to reporters, Trump confirmed that the United States is supporting a framework that includes a 60-day ceasefire, phased releases of Israeli hostages, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the launch of broader talks to end the war.

“We are talking, and hopefully we’re going to get that straightened out over the next week,” Trump said.

Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed the optimism during remarks in Teterboro, N.J., telling reporters that talks were progressing and confirming he would meet with senior Qatari officials on the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup final. Qatar has played a key mediating role in past hostage negotiations and is expected to help facilitate the current proposal.

The ceasefire framework, however, is drawing criticism from some families of hostages still held by Hamas, who say any partial agreement could leave their loved ones behind.

“These hostages will remain captive for many years, and Hamas will have no incentive to release them once it gets everything it wants,” the families said in a statement. They also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of walking back military gains made during the campaign against Hamas and putting politics ahead of national security.

Netanyahu has not formally endorsed the deal, though Israeli officials have indicated that the government is reviewing the terms.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)