Israel has approved sending its Mossad intelligence agency director, David Barnea, to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar as part of a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza. This move comes after 15 months of fighting with little success.
Netanyahu’s decision follows discussions with his defense minister, security chiefs, and negotiators, including those from the outgoing US administration. Other high-ranking officials, including the head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency and military advisers, will also be present in Qatar.
The Israeli government is under pressure to reach a deal before the Jan 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Families of hostages still held in Gaza are pressing Netanyahu to secure their release. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal was “very close” and hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy.
Talks have been stalled since the initial brief ceasefire in November last year. Hamas has insisted on Israel’s troop withdrawal from Gaza, while Netanyahu wants to destroy Hamas’ ability to fight. The negotiations are focused on issues such as hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and troop withdrawals.
The conflict has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ongoing situation is causing significant humanitarian concerns, with thousands displaced and hunger growing.
A recent airstrike in northern Gaza killed at least eight people, including two children and two women. However, the Israeli military claims it was a targeted strike on a Hamas command center. Despite these efforts, the negotiations remain stuck, and time is running out for a resolution.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-mossad-director-gaza-ceasefire-talks-qatar