PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP HAS SAID HE THINKS THE HOSTAGES HELD IN GAZA WILL START TO BE FREED VERY SOON AS MEDIATORS ARE SET TO MEET IN EGYPT TODAY FOR INDIRECT PEACE TALKS BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAEL.

THE TALKS COME AFTER HAMAS AGREED TO SOME PARTS OF A 20-POINT US PEACE PLAN, INCLUDING RELEASING HOSTAGES AND HANDING OVER GAZA GOVERNANCE TO PALESTINIAN TECHNOCRATS, BUT IS SEEKING NEGOTIATIONS ON OTHER ISSUES.

THE GROUP'S RESPONSE DID NOT MENTION THE KEY DEMANDS OF ITS DISARMAMENT AND PLAYING NO FUTURE ROLE IN GAZA'S GOVERNANCE.