Gantz says 'promising early signs of progress' on Gaza truce deal

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz on Wednesday said there are "promising early signs of progress" on a new hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas.

"There are ongoing attempts to promote a new hostage deal and there are promising early signs of possible progress," Gantz said in a televised address

"We will not stop looking for a way and we will not miss any opportunity to bring our girls and boys home," he added.

He however warned that "if a new hostage deal is not achieved,” Israel “will continue operating (in Gaza) also during (the holy Muslim fasting month of) Ramadan."