Tel Aviv, 13 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Israeli media outlets reported on Monday significant progress in talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by the militant Palestinian organization Hamas.

The reports suggest negotiators in the Qatari capital Doha have coalesced around a three-stage plan. The Israeli TV channel N12 reported that a response from Hamas is being awaited.

There was initially no official confirmation by Israel or Hamas.

The indirect negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas are being mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. The proposal involves the release of Palestinian prisoners in return for hostages held by Hamas, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

The potential agreement is broadly based on a ceasefire plan that outgoing US President Joe Biden presented in May of last year.

Israel media report that in a first phase, more than 30 "humanitarian cases" among the hostages would be released, followed later by young men and soldiers in a second stage.

The third phase would see the reconstruction of the largely destroyed Gaza Strip and an alternative government for the coastal territory.

Hopes of a final agreement in the tough negotiations have been repeatedly dashed in the past.

Photo: EPA