Hamas to release hostages in a few days, agreement imminent

Negotiations on the technical details of an agreement under which Hamas could release all hostages within a few days are to take place in Egypt in the coming days, reports the Times of Israel.

The agreement is part of US President Donald Trump's peace plan. An Israeli and a US delegation, including Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, will also take part in the talks.

An Israeli representative stated that Hamas had accepted the proposal for a tactical Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, although the Israeli army would remain in most of the area. The release of the hostages is to take place without a complete withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, as Hamas had long demanded.

This progress was also made possible by strong pressure from the US and Arab states. Israel has already restricted its fire so that Hamas can prepare the hostages for their return.

(mja)