(Forelines) – A high-ranking Israeli security delegation arrived in Qatar on Sunday for discussions regarding a potential Gaza hostage release and ceasefire agreement, according to a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported by Reuters, signaling possible progress in ongoing negotiations.
According to Reuters, Qatar along with mediators Egypt and the United States is stepping up renewed efforts to negotiate a deal to end the fighting in Gaza and ensure the release of the remaining 98 hostages before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated on Saturday that the delegation comprises Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet domestic security chief Ronen Bar and Nitzan Alon, the military’s head of the hostage brief.
Steve Witkoff, Middle East envoy for Donald Trump, held a meeting on Saturday with Prime Minister Netanyahu, following his meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday, as per Reuters report.
Since Thursday, Israeli and Palestinian officials have indicated that some progress has been made in the indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group, though no further details have been provided. Both sides have maintained strict confidentiality about the specifics of the ongoing negotiations, reported by Reuters.
According to Reuters, It remains uncertain how the two sides will address a major sticking point that has hindered previous rounds of negotiations: Hamas calls for an end to the conflict, while Israel insists the war will continue as long as Hamas controls Gaza and poses a threat to Israeli security.
Israel initiated its military operation in Gaza following an attack by Hamas fighters in October 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and over 250 hostages were taken, according to Israeli sources.
Since then, over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The enclave has been heavily damaged, facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with the majority of its population displaced.