WSJ: Israeli delegation heads to Cairo for renewed Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal talks

An Israeli delegation is set to arrive in Cairo on May 12 to restart negotiations with Hamas over a potential cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

The talks, mediated by Egypt, the United States and Qatar, come amid cautious optimism following reports that Hamas may be willing to disarm in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent cessation of hostilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Wall Street Journal.

According to Palestinian sources, Hamas would agree to disarm under strict Egyptian or Turkish supervision, provided Israel commits to ending the war and withdrawing its forces from the Strip.

While no formal proposal has been finalised, Israeli officials confirmed they are prepared to resume discussions. “We’ll be prepared to enter talks, assuming everything proceeds smoothly,” an Israeli source told Haaretz, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has yet to commit fully to any comprehensive agreement.

The renewed diplomatic efforts coincide with the expected release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier held hostage by Hamas. If completed, it would mark the first time Hamas has released a hostage without an Israeli concession, signalling what mediators hope is a shift in tone from the group. Sources in Doha said the move, believed to be encouraged by mediators, is aimed at pressuring the U.S. to facilitate broader negotiations and humanitarian relief into Gaza.

American involvement has intensified, with aides to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff meeting Hamas’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya in Qatar in recent days. According to Haaretz, Hamas is considering a partial deal involving the release of ten hostages, but wants guarantees from Washington that the war will end by the conclusion of talks.

The Israeli delegation’s arrival in Cairo follows the presentation of the so-called Witkoff framework, which includes a phased release of hostages and a temporary ceasefire in exchange for negotiations toward a full truce. Despite scepticism from Hamas, who fear Israel could resume hostilities midway, discussions are set to proceed under tight international scrutiny.

By Aghakazim Guliyev