Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's recent war with Iran had created "opportunities" to free hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza, AFP reported.

His comments raised hopes for a new ceasefire in the devastating Gaza conflict after US President Donald Trump said he hoped a truce would be concluded within days.

Netanyahu said that after his country's recent "victory" over Iran in their 12-day war, "many opportunities have opened up... first of all to rescue the hostages."

"Of course, we will also have to resolve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I believe we will achieve both goals," the prime minister said.

Following the war between Israel and Iran, which ended in a ceasefire on June 24, domestic and diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu to also secure a cessation of fighting in Gaza has grown.

On June 29, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "SHUT DOWN THE GAZA DEAL. BRING BACK THE HOSTAGES!!!" 

On 27 June, the Republican said he hoped for another ceasefire there "within the next week". | BGNES