Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, signaling progress in talks on the war in Gaza. The decision was announced by Netanyahu's office, with high-level Israeli officials now involved in the negotiations.
Only one brief ceasefire has been achieved in the 15 months of war, with talks mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar repeatedly stalling. Netanyahu aims to destroy Hamas' fighting ability, while Hamas demands a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Accompanying the Mossad chief to Qatar are the head of Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers. The decision follows a meeting with defense minister, security chiefs, and negotiators representing the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations.
Families of around 100 hostages still held in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to secure their release, especially after the recovery of two hostages' bodies. Pressure from outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump is also mounting for a deal before the upcoming inauguration.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about a potential deal, emphasizing the need for the release of hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. The talks have been marred by the aftermath of an attack that led to the war, with over 1,200 people killed and 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians, including children and women, at a school-turned-shelter. The strike targeted a Hamas command center, according to Israel's military, while another strike in Gaza City claimed four lives. The ongoing violence has left many Gazans displaced and in dire need of aid.
For more updates on the war, visit AP News.
