Israel set to dispatch delegation to Doha for peace talks with US and Qatari officials regarding Gaza situation | Global Updates
Israel is preparing to send a delegation to Doha for discussions on a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, coinciding with the visit of US Secretary of State to Qatar.
The delegation from Israel, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to arrive in Doha on Sunday.
They will join Qatari officials, who have played a vital role as mediators for Hamas, the governing militant group in Gaza, along with US diplomats in efforts to restart negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
During his visit to Qatar, Mr. Blinken was warmly welcomed by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as he landed in the capital.
This marks the 11th visit to the Middle East for the US secretary since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict a year ago, triggered by an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and around 250 hostages.
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The deadly incident, considered the bloodiest day in Israeli history, prompted Israel’s military operation in Gaza, where over 42,000 individuals, according to local health authorities, have lost their lives in the past year.
David Barnea, the head of Mossad, is part of the Israeli delegation heading to Doha for the negotiations.
He is expected to meet with CIA director William Burns and the Qatari prime minister, as stated by Mr. Netanyahu’s office today.
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“The parties will discuss the various options for starting negotiations for the release of the hostages from Hamas
captivity, against the backdrop of the latest developments,” the statement reads.
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Analysis: What will Sinwar’s death mean for the Gaza conflict?
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Ceasefire negotiations facilitated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar came to a halt over the summer.
Mr. Blinken, following discussions with Qatar’s prime minister, expressed uncertainty regarding Hamas’ readiness to engage in new negotiations but encouraged the group to consider it.
This trip marks Mr. Blinken’s first visit to the region since Israel eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind the 7 October attack by the group.
The US government has advocated using Sinwar’s death as an opportunity to work towards restoring peace.
