Mossad Chief Expected in Qatar as Talks Resume on Hostage-Truce Deal

By Yoni Weiss

Stalled negotiations for a temporary ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas are set to restart in Qatar, possibly on Sunday, Egyptian officials report.

Sources indicate that Mossad chief David Barnea is scheduled to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Egyptian officials in Doha for discussions aimed at bridging remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas. These discussions include the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The talks mark the first time both Israeli officials and Hamas leaders have engaged in indirect negotiations since the start of Ramadan. While mediators initially aimed for a six-week truce, Hamas insisted on a permanent ceasefire, a demand Israel rejected.

However, recent moves from both sides indicate a willingness to revive negotiations. Hamas has presented a new three-stage plan to mediators, proposing a temporary ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire, and the release of hostages in exchange for prisoner releases and lifting the blockade on Gaza for reconstruction.

Despite the anticipated talks in Doha, Saudi news network Al-Arabiya reported that there’s still no breakthrough, citing unnamed Egyptian officials who cite obstacles to reaching an agreement, including uncertainties regarding the number of remaining hostages and the return of displaced Palestinians in Gaza.