OSLO: Israeli and Qatari officials are scheduled to meet in Norway to revive negotiations regarding the humanitarian truce in Gaza and the release of hostages. The talks aim to explore the potential for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to meet with David Barnea, the director of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, in Oslo. Additionally, Barnea is likely to hold talks with Egyptian officials during the diplomatic efforts.
Despite the significance of the discussions, several obstacles hinder the resumption of negotiations on a new hostage deal. This development comes a day after the Israeli military acknowledged mistakenly killing three hostages held in Gaza. The incident adds complexity to the ongoing efforts to address the delicate situation and underscores the challenges surrounding hostage negotiations.
During a week-long truce in late November, Hamas released over 100 women, children, and foreigners held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 240 women and teenagers. The talks in Norway seek to build on these previous efforts and explore possibilities for further agreements between the parties involved.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar has officially confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at renewing a humanitarian pause in Gaza as the Israeli military has intensified its bombardments and ground invasion.
In a statement released by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar expressed its commitment to continuing diplomatic endeavors to extend the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip. The statement conveyed Qatar’s hope to build upon the progress made and achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that would bring an end to the ongoing war, halt the bloodshed affecting Palestinian civilians, and pave the way for serious negotiations and the initiation of a political process.
Qatar emphasized the importance of achieving a comprehensive, permanent, and just peace in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Israeli Military Continue Brutalities in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israeli bulldozers crushed the tents used by Palestinians seeking shelter outside Kamal Adwan Hospital. The incident has been described as a “terrifying massacre” by eyewitnesses, with dozens of displaced, sick, and wounded people being buried alive.
In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club has reported the arrest of 16 Palestinians by Israeli forces, bringing the total number of detentions in the region since October 7 to 4,520.
Palestinian media has also reported dozens of casualties in Gaza today due to air strikes by Israel. The US has urged Israel to scale down its military campaign and focus on targeting Hamas leaders specifically. However, the situation on the ground remains dire, with reports of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
