As the Gaza war enters its 21st month, efforts to reach a ceasefire continue.

Hundreds of Israeli citizens gathered in central Tel Aviv, marching to demand a ceasefire and the release of remaining Israeli prisoners held in Gaza.

One protester, Macabit Mayer, said: "This is the time for an agreement that saves everyone living and dead—an agreement that doesn’t differentiate between hostages"

Another protester, Yechiel Yehoud, said: "Dear President, please don’t let up. Continue and help our country as you did with Iran. Bring back all our dear ones in one move ,"

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has increased pressure on both Israel and Hamas in recent days to reach a deal, told reporters he is optimistic about achieving a ceasefire in Gaza soon.

"I think they're going to be positive about it. We're going to get, we have to get it over with. Hamas has said we have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza. We've been doing it, you know, we're sending a lot of aid, a lot of money and a lot of aid. Otherwise, you have people in big, big trouble. But yeah, I think it's been very positive," Trump said.

On Friday, Hamas announced it had given a “positive” response to the latest ceasefire proposal but stressed that further talks are needed to finalize the implementation.

Hamas has insisted on guarantees that the first phase of the ceasefire will lead to a complete end to the war.

These developments come as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, even after Hamas’s statement.