Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has sent Mossad Director David Barnea to participate in Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, marking a new phase in the 15-month conflict. With around 100 hostages still in Gaza, pressure mounts on Israel to secure their release while negotiating a ceasefire agreement.
High-Level Talks Raise Hopes for Ceasefire
Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Saturday that Mossad chief David Barnea will join the latest round of indirect negotiations with Hamas in Doha. His involvement suggests a new level of seriousness, as top officials are now engaged in the talks.
The conflict in Gaza, ongoing for 15 months, has seen only one brief ceasefire in its early stages. Mediation efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have struggled to bring lasting peace. Netanyahu is determined to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, while Hamas demands an Israeli troop withdrawal.
Hostage Crisis Adds Pressure
With roughly 100 hostages still in Gaza, families are urging Netanyahu to secure their release. The recovery of two hostages’ bodies last week intensified concerns about the fate of others. Hamas has admitted it cannot confirm the condition of many captives due to the prolonged fighting.
The urgency is amplified by pressure from outgoing US President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump to strike a deal before the January 20 inauguration. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently said that a deal was “very close,” though similar optimism has been expressed previously.
Key Issues in Ceasefire Negotiations
Negotiators are grappling with which hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be released in the initial phases of a potential ceasefire. Discussions also hinge on the scale of Israel’s troop withdrawal from Gaza’s urban centres.
Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 250 hostages, triggered the conflict. While a November 2023 truce freed more than 100 hostages, many remain in captivity. Netanyahu’s decision to include Mossad, Shin Bet, and other key advisors underscores the urgency of reaching an agreement.