WASHINGTON. US President Donald Trump has said that talks between the United States and the Palestinian Islamic Group (Hamas) to end the war in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of prisoners are making rapid progress.

In a social media post, Trump said the talks were “successful” and “relatively progressive”. The technical teams are expected to meet again in Egypt on Monday to finalise the deal. Noting that the first phase of the agreement will begin this week, he called on all parties to move swiftly to end suffering and achieve peace.

Trump welcomed Hamas’s response, saying the deal between Israel and Hamas represents a “major deal” for Israel. That includes the approval of key provisions of the 20-point U.S. resolution.

The plan includes an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Trump said he planned to end the conflict and restore stability in the region. He, however, warned that Hamas would face complete annihilation if it refused to relinquish power and hand over control of the Gaza Strip.

The talks have progressed after a series of regional and international diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza, pave the way for reconstruction and establish lasting humanitarian and political stability in the Strip.