First round of Gaza talks between Hamas and mediators ends in 'positive atmosphere': Egypt state-linked media

Cairo: The first round of Gaza talks between Hamas and mediators have ended in Egypt "amid a positive atmosphere", Egyptian state-linked media reported early on Tuesday.

Al-Qahera News, which is linked to state intelligence, reported the talks will continue on Tuesday, also between Hamas and mediators in the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, where an Israeli delegation arrived on Monday.

Israel and Hamas are expected to engage in indirect talks on the details of a proposal by US President Donald Trump for a hostage-prisoner exchange and long-term ceasefire.

Trump says Hamas 'agreeing to things that are very important’

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he was "pretty sure" a Gaza peace deal was possible and said Hamas was agreeing to "very important" issues as talks with Israel started.

"I have red lines, if certain things aren't met we're not going to do it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he had preconditions including Hamas agreeing to disarm.

"But I think we're doing very well and I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important."

Trump said he was optimistic about the chances of a deal as delegations from Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in Egypt on ending the war under his 20-point plan.

"I think we're going to have a deal. It's a hard thing for me to say that when for years and years they've been trying to have a deal," Trump said.

"We're going to have a Gaza deal, I'm pretty sure, yeah."

Trump also dismissed a report that he had accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being negative about the talks, saying that Netanyahu had been "very positive about the deal." (AFP)