Israeli delegation headed by the head of Mossad David Barnea visited Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This UNN reports with reference to Bloomberg.
Details
"According to a person familiar with the talks, an Israeli delegation led by Mosad chief David Barnea is returning home from Qatar after a day of negotiating a cease-fire agreement with Hamas," the publication wrote.
"The outcome of the talks, which will continue, is not yet known. Barnea, who heads Israel's foreign intelligence agency, was scheduled to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani," said the source.
Bloomberg writes that Barnea made the trip after Israel received a new offer from Hamas that could lead to the release of some hostages held in the Gaza Strip and an end to the war between the two sides, which is still nearly nine months old.
"It's the clearest sign in weeks that a truce is possible after months of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel," Bloomberg reported.
Израиль близок к искоренению военного потенциала ХАМАС - Нетаньяху02.07.2024, 01:30
A Hamas spokesman, who wished to remain unnamed, said the group was sticking to long-standing demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced civilians to their homes in Gaza.
However, the new proposal does not require a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops initially, Israeli television channel Channel 13 reported.
Bloomberg writes that Biden failed to reach an agreement on his plan, in part because Hamas insisted on a final withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza.
"Israel has resisted this, saying the military will not end its campaign until Hamas is destroyed as a military and ruling organization. Netanyahu is committed to a temporary ceasefire - perhaps for weeks - as a way to free hostages taken on Oct. 7, when Hamas fighters attacked the south of the country and sparked the conflict," the report said.
U.S. officials have said they hope the cease-fire can bring a permanent halt to the fighting. The war has caused turmoil in the Middle East and huge political divisions around the world, even hurting Biden's re-election bid in November.
Supplement
As reported by CNN, Joe Biden proposed a hostage exchange to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.