Netanyahu thanks Trump following call for Gaza deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to US President Donald Trump’s renewed call for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying: “Thank you, Trump. Together, we will make the Middle East great again."

Israeli sources reported on Saturday that negotiations towards a ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives in Gaza had made progress, ahead of an upcoming visit to Washington by Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, Ron Dermer.

Trump had earlier reiterated his call for a truce and the release of hostages, telling reporters on Friday that he believed a deal was close and could be reached “within the next week”.