Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that the war in Gaza could be closer to a "diplomatic solution," during his discussion of the possible release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas during a meeting with leaders of Palestinian resistance factions.

In remarks that did not mention details or timing, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, quoting Abdollahian, that "developments in Gaza are heading towards a diplomatic solution," according to Bloomberg News Agency today, Saturday.

Amir Abdollahian spoke during a visit to Beirut, where he met with senior officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, an armed group and ally of Hamas, which the United States and the European Union classify as a terrorist organization.

The minister emphasized "the importance of prisoner exchange" and "adopting a unified stance by the Palestinian groups" to end the conflict, which has now entered its fifth month, according to the statement.