Israeli official: Reports of breakthrough in hostage-ceasefire talks ‘inaccurate’

By Lazar Berman

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29 April 2025, 9:15 am

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

A rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, April 26, 2025. (Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90)

After reports emerge overnight of a breakthrough in hostage talks, an Israeli official calls them “inaccurate.”

“Israel is working tirelessly with the Americans and the mediators with the goal of advancing a deal to free our hostages, but as of now no agreement has been reached,” says the official.

Reuters cited two Egyptian security sources saying there has been a “significant breakthrough” in the hostage-ceasefire deal talks, adding that there is a consensus on a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, yet some sticking points remain, including the question of Hamas’s arms.

The statement is a reiteration of comments last night by Israeli officials, also unnamed, denying the reports.