2023-12-16 07:06:24
JERUSALEM: The head of Israel’s spy agency Mossad is reportedly meeting with Qatar’s prime minister again as fighting escalates in Gaza, seeking a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Mossad chief David Barnia is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, Israeli media reported. The meeting is to further negotiate a deal to release hostages held by Hamas fighters in Gaza.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the war cabinet had opposed the Mossad chief’s visit following Qatar’s proposal, but this time he agreed to it fearing a domestic backlash, the Jerusalem Post reported. Netanyahu allowed the Mossad chief to contact Qatari officials.
Earlier, after October 7, a week-long ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Accordingly, there was a four-day ceasefire and some of the prisoners on both sides were exchanged. The ceasefire was extended for two more days, but then fighting resumed. This is the first meeting between a senior Israeli official and a Qatari official. It is indicated that the families of the hostages are ready to negotiate again with increasing pressure on the Israeli government. Hamas and Israel have previously accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel intensified the attack again. Hamas, on the other hand, continued to fire rockets into Israeli territory while retaliating heavily in the ground war. Israel demanded the release of a group of women, but Hamas allegedly refused. However, Hamas says the women requested by Israel are soldiers.
Meanwhile, there were reports that Qatari mediators held talks with Israeli officials last week to explore the possibility of resuming indirect talks with Hamas. Israeli officials are reported to have asked mediators during the talks whether they would agree to a deal that would allow the release of women, seriously wounded, infirm, elderly men and others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was opposed to the discussion. Hamas, on the other hand, has hardened its position that there is no problem with the release of hostages without an end to the occupation and a cease-fire. In the meantime, news is coming out that the head of Mossad may meet Qatari officials in Europe. Hamas still holds more than 130 hostages after releasing several as part of a temporary ceasefire. There are also reports that several hostages have been killed in the past week. Moreover, the army itself has confirmed that three Israeli citizens were killed in the firing by the Israeli army.
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