TEL AVIV, Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his spy chief, David Barnea, to travel to Qatar to engage in discussions with mediators concerning a potential ceasefire in the Gaza war. This initiative aims to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting to deliberate on the latest Hamas proposals, which have been communicated through Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries. These proposals are seen as a critical step towards reaching a ceasefire agreement and the potential release of hostages. Israel estimates that dozens of hostages are still alive in Gaza, increasing the urgency for a resolution amid the growing human toll of the conflict.
Barnea, the Mossad chief, is leading the Israeli delegation in Qatar, where he is expected to meet with the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussions aim to bridge the gap between the warring parties and progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
US President Joe Biden has expressed support for the Israeli delegation’s engagement with the mediators, indicating optimism about a possible breakthrough. A senior US official noted that there is a significant opening for an agreement, although substantial work remains to finalize a deal.
Hamas has demanded an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal as preconditions for any hostage release. Israel, on the other hand, insists that the war will not end until all hostages are freed and Hamas’s military capabilities are dismantled. Netanyahu’s office is currently evaluating the new ideas presented by Hamas for a potential deal.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been actively mediating between the two sides, striving to reconcile their differences. A diplomat briefed on the latest proposals highlighted the importance of the current developments, emphasizing the seriousness of the American efforts.
The conflict, which began with the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, 1,195 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 251 hostages were taken by Hamas. Israel’s retaliatory actions have led to the deaths of at least 38,011 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians, mostly women and children.
Efforts continue to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, with both sides facing mounting international pressure to resolve the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
