Washington, July 4 -- As Israel awaits Hamas's response on Friday to the latest proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported that US President Donald Trump would offer the Palestinian terror group a direct guarantee of his commitment to ending the ongoing war, which began in October 2023.

Israel is believed to be under heavy US pressure to clinch a ceasefire deal ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington for talks with Trump next week.

Sources have indicated in recent days that the sides had shown flexibility on all issues but remained stuck on the question of ending the war, with Israel insisting that it be able to resume its offensive against Hamas and the terror group ...