JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad international intelligence company to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, his workplace mentioned Saturday, in an indication of progress in talks on the warfare in Gaza.
It was not instantly clear when David Barnea would journey to Qatar’s capital, Doha, for the newest spherical of oblique talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group, however there’s U.S. stress for a deal earlier than the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officers who would wish to log out on any settlement are actually concerned.
Only one transient ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, and that was within the earliest weeks of combating. The talks mediated by the USA, Egypt and Qatar have repeatedly stalled since then.
Below dialogue is a phased ceasefire, with Netanyahu signaling he’s dedicated solely to the primary part, a partial hostage launch in alternate for a weekslong halt in combating.
Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from the largely devastated territory, however Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas’ means to combat in Gaza. On Thursday, Gaza’s Well being Ministry mentioned over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed within the warfare, the bulk ladies and kids, although it does not say what number of have been fighters or civilians.
Additionally being despatched to Qatar are the pinnacle of Israel’s Shin Guess inner safety company and army and political advisers. Netanyahu’s workplace mentioned the choice adopted a gathering along with his protection minister, safety chiefs and negotiators “on behalf of the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations.”
The workplace additionally launched a photograph exhibiting Netanyahu with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming particular envoy to the Center East, Steve Witkoff, who was in Qatar this week.
Families of the roughly 100 hostages nonetheless held in Gaza after being seized within the Oct. 7, 2023 militant assault that sparked the warfare are urgent Netanyahu to succeed in a deal to convey their family members residence. Israelis rallied once more Saturday evening in Tel Aviv, with images of hostages on show.
The recovery of two hostages’ bodies previously week renewed fears that point is operating out. Hamas has mentioned that after months of heavy combating, it isn’t positive who’s alive or lifeless.
“Return with an settlement that ensures the return of all hostages, right down to the final one — the residing for rehabilitation and the deceased for correct burial of their homeland,” mentioned an announcement by a bunch representing some hostages’ households.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned this week a deal is “very shut” and he hoped to finish it earlier than handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration. However U.S. officers have expressed comparable optimism on a number of events over the previous 12 months.
Issues in the talks have included which hostages could be launched within the first a part of a phased ceasefire deal, which Palestinian prisoners could be launched and the extent of any Israeli troop withdrawal from inhabitants facilities in Gaza.
The toll
Hamas and different teams killed some 1,200 folks and took about 250 hostages into Gaza within the assault that began the warfare. A truce in November 2023 freed greater than 100 hostages, whereas others have been rescued or their stays have been recovered over the previous 12 months.
Israel’s army introduced the deaths of 4 troopers in northern Gaza on Saturday, with out particulars. A minimum of 400 troopers have been killed within the warfare. Six others have been killed this week in largely remoted northern Gaza, the place Israel has been urgent an offensive towards regrouping Hamas militants.
The Israeli army says it has killed over 17,000 militants in the course of the warfare, with out offering proof.
Inside Gaza
On Saturday, an airstrike killed a 5-year-old woman and two male kin in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, in response to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the place an AP crew noticed them.
The woman’s physique, in a pink sweater, was wrapped in foil and positioned on the ground of the morgue. Her father knelt and pressed his face to hers. “God!” he cried.
One other Israeli airstrike killed not less than eight Palestinians together with two kids and two ladies in a school-turned-shelter in northern Gaza, in response to the Civil Protection, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run authorities. It mentioned the strike on the Halawa college that shelters displaced folks within the Jabaliya space additionally wounded 30 others, together with 19 kids.
Israel’s army mentioned it struck a Hamas command middle at a former college in Jabaliya, with out giving proof.
And a strike killed 4 folks on a avenue in Gaza Metropolis, mentioned Civil Protection spokesperson Mahmoud Basal. General, Gaza’s Well being Ministry mentioned not less than 32 our bodies had arrived at hospitals previously 24 hours.
“I ask the world, do you hear us? Will we exist?” mentioned Hamza Saleh, one of many overwhelming majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents who’ve been displaced. He spoke Friday within the southern metropolis of Khan Younis as kids and others jostled for meals help, whereas starvation grows.
___
Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel.
___
Observe protection of the warfare at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Copyright 2025 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.
