US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism on Thursday about the prospects for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to Reuters, Rubio said the United States is closer than ever to reaching an agreement.

Speaking to reporters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia, he added that US envoy Steve Witkoff is optimistic about holding indirect talks soon.

For its part, Al Arabiya TV quoted Rubio as saying:"We are close to a truce in Gaza, and the issue can be resolved if Hamas surrenders its weapons."

He pointed out that his country is cooperating with Egypt and Qatar and is discussing the details of implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the entry of aid.

In a related context, he noted that Israel would not agree to a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The talks are centered on an interim agreement that includes a 60-day truce, interspersed with two phases: the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners and the return of the remains of 18 others, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The Trump administration will ensure the agreement's implementation.

Reuters quoted a senior political source as saying that the Israeli government and Hamas may reach an agreement on Gaza within a week or two.

The source explained that if both sides agree to the proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israel will use this time to propose a permanent ceasefire that would require Hamas to disarm.