Israel to 'allow a window' for hostage deal before expanded Gaza campaign: security official

JERUSALEM: Israel will "allow a window" for a hostage deal during a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Middle East before a planned expansion of its Gaza offensive, a senior security official said Monday.

"The deployment of forces prior to the start of the manoeuver will allow a window of opportunity until the end of the US president's visit to the region to carry out a hostage deal," the Israeli official said.

Trump is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13-15.