President Trump said yesterday that his government was in intense talks with Hamas and urged the Palestinian group to release all captives held in Gaza.

“We are in very deep negotiations with Hamas,” Trump told reporters. Earlier this week, Trump pressed Hamas to return all the captives in order to end the war on Gaza.

Hamas then reiterated its willingness for a comprehensive deal to end the war.

Last month, Hamas said it was agreed to a ceasefire deal. Later, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the mediators were waiting for a response from Israel, adding that the latter seems “unwilling to reach an agreement”.