Negotiations for the release of the kidnapped Israeli woman in Iraq have reached their final stages.

Informed sources, including a government official, have reported that negotiations to release Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped in Iraq, have reached their final stages, with only her release left to be executed. This was reported by "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat" newspaper.

One source confirmed that "the negotiations were long and arduous, but concluded with a deal that included a ransom payment," without disclosing the financial details or final conditions.

Another source familiar with the talks indicated that the abductors agreed to release Tsurkov in exchange for the release of individuals accused of targeting American interests in the region, including an Iranian national.

A third source stated that "the deal has been finalized, all details have been agreed upon, and only the release of Tsurkov remains." However, an official from the Iraqi National Security Advisor's media office denied knowledge of any agreement and refused to comment on the circulating reports.

Meanwhile, an Iraqi security official informed "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat" that "the release of Tsurkov has not been practically carried out yet."

It is worth noting that Tsurkov, a researcher at Princeton University holding Israeli and Russian citizenship, entered Iraq legally on an academic mission, according to Iraqi officials. She was kidnapped in March 2023 in the Karrada area of Baghdad, which houses headquarters of Shiite parties, factions loyal to Iran, and Iraqi security offices.

No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but Israeli and American reports have pointed to the involvement of "Hezbollah Brigades," previously linked to kidnapping and killing operations against foreigners in Iraq.