The kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston could be freed as early as today.
Last night the Palestinian group, Hamas, said that it was in an advanced stage of negotiations to secure his release.
Mr Johnston was kidnapped in Gaza City in March.
Earlier this month he appeared in an Internet video which was posted on an Islamist website.
A group calling itself the Army of Islam claims be holding the BBC journalist.
In a statement by Hamas' armed wing, the group said it was talking to those who abducted Mr Johnston and it had begun to take practical steps for his release.
Hamas has seized control of Gaza over the past week.
Its leader Khaled Meshaal says he wants to work with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the good of the Palestinian people.
Mr Meshaal accused the international community of failing to understand the rights and aspirations of Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers, who were meeting in Cairo, have condemned what they described as criminal acts occurring in Gaza in recent days.
In a statement, the ministers said they would form a committee to investigate the violence and support Egyptian and Saudi efforts to moderate between Fatah and Hamas.
