JERUSALEM: An Israeli delegation led by the head of the country’s foreign intelligence agency is heading to Paris to help facilitate talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israeli media.
David Barnea, the director of Mossad, will be accompanied by Ronen Bar, the head of the domestic security agency Shin Bet, during their visit to the French capital. Previous negotiations in November resulted in a week-long ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Recent discussions in January proposed a new pause in fighting, including a potential exchange of prisoners and hostages. Talks have also occurred in Egypt, focusing on ceasefire terms, the return of displaced individuals, and a potential prisoner exchange. While Hamas seeks a complete ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to pressurizing Hamas until what he terms “total victory”.
The Israeli government is open to a temporary cessation of hostilities but rejects the release of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk has been engaged in discussions in Israel regarding the repatriation of hostages.
As the Paris talks approach, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated a readiness to empower hostage negotiators further. The conflict originated with Hamas attacks on southern Israel in October 7, resulting in significant casualties.
Israel in response of this vowed to destroy Hamas and launched a military offensive that has left at least 29,514 people dead in the Gaza Strip ruled by Hamas since 2007. According to the health ministry of Gaza, most of them are children and women.
