Tel Aviv: Israeli media on Monday reported progress in negotiations with the Palestinian group Hamas regarding a prisoner swap and ending the war in the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the US has pledged that Israel would enter negotiations for a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire if Hamas agreed to release more than 8 living hostages and hand over the remains of several dead captives.

Israeli officials believe that significant progress has been made in the prisoner negotiations, with potential shifts in Hamas's position. A Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo on Sunday to deliver the group's response to the latest Israeli proposal.

The proposal reportedly calls for the release of 9-10 living hostages, with Israel also demanding the return of the remains of around 10 hostages. The Israeli Channel 12, citing unnamed senior Israeli sources, noted that although there has been no breakthrough yet, significant moves are underway.

On Saturday, Hamas confirmed its willingness to respond positively to any proposals that ensure a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a serious prisoner exchange. The Israeli army renewed its assault on Gaza on March 18, disrupting a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established on January 19.

Nearly 51,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023 due to the Israeli onslaught. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.