Israel and Hamas prepared for indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, as hopes for a possible ceasefire in Gaza grew after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a hostage release could be announced this week .

Tuesday marks two years since the Hamas attack that sparked the war.

President Donald Trump has welcomed the Hamas statement accepting some elements of the U.S. peace plan . Israel has said it supported the new U.S. effort . Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm.

Video above: Israel's foreign minister hopes country 'closest to a hostage deal' since January

The delegation led by top Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer will leave Monday for the talks in Sharm el-She

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