Israel’s foreign minister has expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, saying that if a temporary truce is sealed, Israel will negotiate on a permanent end to the hostilities.

“Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. I believe it’s achievable. If a temporary ceasefire is achieved, we will negotiate on a permanent ceasefire,” Gideon Saar told a press conference in Bratislava with his Slovakian counterpart.

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