The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel have reported positive progress towards a possible ceasefire recently, as the two sides took active actions to move closer to a truce in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, Israel and Hamas began a new round of indirect negotiations in Doha, Qatar, regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of detainees. On Wednesday evening, Hamas issued a statement expressing its desire to reach a comprehensive agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, agreeing to release 10 Israeli detainees. The core issues remain under negotiation. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Wednesday, Israel submitted a new proposal for a partial withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip. The report said that Hamas had rejected Israel's previous withdrawal plan, which was one of the main sticking points in the talks. The new proposal has brought the two sides closer to an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha had made progress, during a meeting with families of Israeli detainees in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening. It remains unclear what specific progress Netanyahu was referring to. Additionally, a senior Israeli official said that Israel and Hamas might reach an agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange within one to two weeks, though the process would not be completed quickly. The official added that if Israel and Hamas agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, negotiations for a permanent truce could continue during this period. However, Israel demands that Hamas disarm, and if Hamas refuses, Israel will resume military operations. On Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed to the United States his hope that the Palestinian side could participate in negotiations over the ceasefire and detainee releases. Abbas stated that Palestine should be included at the negotiating table, particularly in discussions on long-term security arrangements, as it may take over or administer parts of Gaza in the future. The U.S. side has not yet formally responded to Abbas' request. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that unresolved issues in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks had been reduced from four to one, raising hopes for a temporary truce agreement this week. SHOTLIST: FILE: Gaza Strip - March 2025 1. Man waving Palestinian national flag; displaced people; FILE: Jabalia, Gaza Strip - June 6, 2025 2. Various of damaged buildings, ambulance; Gaza Strip - June 26, 2025 3. Various of truck carrying aid supplies, displaced Palestinians; Khan Younis, south Gaza Strip - July 6, 2025 4. Various of displaced Palestinians with belongings; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - June 26, 2025 5. Various of Gazans waiting in line, getting food aid; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - July 5, 2025 6. Various of tents, rubble, displaced Palestinians in poor living environment; FILE: Tel Aviv, Israel - June 2021 7. National flag of Israel; FILE: Sderot, Israel - May 16, 2021 8. Various of street view, national flags of Israel, city flags; FILE: Tel Aviv, Israel - April 7-8, 2019 9. Various of buildings, traffic. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]