According to a survey conducted by Israel’s Maariv newspaper, 47 per cent of Israelis who replied have expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire deal with Hamas that would bring about the release of the remaining captives, Al Jazeera reports.

About a third (37pc), however, expressed pessimism about a deal that could also pave the way for the release of detained Palestinians held by Israel.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is likely to reach a 60-day ceasefire agreement with Hamas “within a few days”.