Hamas says it is hopeful an emerging deal to restore ties between Israel and Turkey will result in the construction of a port for the impoverished Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reports.

Turkey has said it will not normalize ties with Israel, ruptured in 2010, without Gaza's blockade being lifted. Hamas hopes a seaport might be built if Israel does lift its restrictions.

Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said Thursday "Gaza will explode" if the blockade is not lifted, AP says.

An Israeli official said defense officials have discussed the possibility of a port for Gaza but no decisions have been made.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because it was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media, refused to say what Prime Minister Netanyahu's position is.