CAIRO (AP) — Israel and Hamas prepared for indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, as hopes for a possible ceasefire in Gaza began to build after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a hostage release could be announced this week .

President Donald Trump has welcomed the militant group’s statement accepting some elements of the U.S. peace plan . Israel has said it supported the new U.S. effort . Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm.

Monday's discussions will focus on the proposed exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, Egypt’s foreign ministry said. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is joining the talks, according to an Egyptian official, who spoke o

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