Media: Israeli, Hamas negotiations see potential breakthrough on hostage release, ceasefire

A preliminary agreement has been reached for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, with the operation expected to take place in May.

Among those reportedly slated for release is Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, Caliber.Az reports citing Arab media.

The agreement also includes the establishment of three safe humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of aid into the besieged enclave. These corridors will reportedly be monitored under the supervision of international mediators to ensure the secure and uninterrupted flow of relief supplies.

Negotiations remain ongoing, with high-level meetings scheduled between representatives from Hamas, Israel, and Egypt in the coming days. Egypt has continued to play a pivotal mediating role throughout the conflict, alongside Qatar and the United States.

Despite reports of a breakthrough, Israeli media cited a senior Israeli official who denied any knowledge of such an agreement, cautioning that no formal progress had been confirmed. The official did not elaborate further.

The conflicting accounts underscore the complexity and sensitivity of ongoing negotiations, which have been marked by intermittent advances and setbacks. The potential release of hostages could represent a critical diplomatic development in the broader context of the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Negotiations in Cairo aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza were reportedly on the brink of a "significant breakthrough," according to two Egyptian security sources. However, there was no immediate response from either Israeli or Hamas officials regarding the developments.

The Egyptian sources indicated that there was growing consensus on a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, although key issues remained unresolved, particularly concerning Hamas' weapons. Hamas has consistently rejected the demand to disarm, which is a central condition for Israel.

Earlier, Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported that Egyptian intelligence chief General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was scheduled to meet with an Israeli delegation, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, in Cairo on April 28. The ongoing discussions are reportedly being held between Egyptian and Israeli representatives.

By Vafa Guliyeva