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Rabat – Amid ongoing aggression and new Israeli strikes in southern Gaza, Israel has made a move towards the possibility of a ceasefire by returning to the negotiating table in Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Mossad Chief David Barnea to engage in discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
Today, Barnea is set to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar has played a pivotal role as a mediator in the protracted Gaza conflict, and this meeting signals a renewed effort to end the hostilities.
Despite numerous failed attempts at truce negotiations in recent months, Netanyahu’s office announced that the Prime Minister has informed President Joe Biden of his decision to send a delegation to continue negotiations.
“The Prime Minister has informed President Biden of his decision to dispatch a delegation to continue negotiations for the release of hostages,” the statement read. “He reiterated that Israel is determined to end the war only if all its objectives are met.”
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the latest information from Hamas “could provide the necessary basis for reaching an agreement.
However, he cautioned that significant challenges remain, emphasizing that “there is still much to be done on certain implementation steps,” making the path forward “difficult.”
The entrenched positions of both sides have been a major hurdle. Netanyahu remains resolute on continuing the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed.
On the other hand, Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as preconditions for any hostage release.
The toll of the Israeli ongoing war on Gaza has been devastating. Since October 7, at least 38,011 Palestinianshave been killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces and 87,445 have been wounded.
Read also: Renewed Hope for Gaza Ceasefire as Israeli Cabinet Reviews Hamas Proposal
