Egypt Daily News – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed Egypt’s willingness to facilitate discussions aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.
In a recent announcement, Netanyahu revealed that he has dispatched the head of Mossad, David Barnea, to Qatar to garner support for ongoing initiatives following meetings in Cairo, where ceasefire negotiations and hostage releases are being mediated.
Barnea’s trip to Doha is scheduled for Sunday, where he will engage in talks with the head of the American CIA and the Qatari Prime Minister.
This move signifies Israel’s intent to reinvigorate discussions surrounding the release of hostages taken by Palestinian factions in Gaza, as well as to address the ceasefire situation in the region.
Hamas has indicated its own willingness to engage in a ceasefire, with an official stating that a leadership delegation recently met with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss potential terms for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
The official emphasized that any progress is contingent on Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire, the withdrawal of forces from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals, a meaningful prisoner exchange deal, and the facilitation of aid.
In the lead-up to the talks in Doha, Barnea met with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad in Cairo. Additionally, a high-level Egyptian security delegation convened with Hamas leaders to seek solutions for stabilizing the situation in Gaza, as reported by Egypt’s government.
Ceasefire negotiations are expected to resume on Sunday in Qatar, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and address humanitarian concerns.
