Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has given the go-ahead for a new series of ceasefire talks concerning Gaza, to be held in Doha and Cairo, as confirmed by his office on Friday. This decision comes after a period where negotiations seemed to have stalled.
Following the adoption of a resolution by the UN Security Council on Monday, demanding an “immediate ceasefire,” both Hamas and Israel have been engaged in blame-shifting regarding their failure to reach an agreement.
Qatar, acting as a mediator, stated on Tuesday that discussions between Hamas and Israel on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release were ongoing. However, detailed information from both sides and the mediators has been scarce since then.
Netanyahu’s office disclosed that the Prime Minister had discussions with Mossad chief David Barnea regarding the talks. However, there was no elaboration on whether Barnea would be traveling to Doha or Cairo for the negotiations.
The conflict erupted when Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
In response, Israel’s military launched a retaliatory offensive against Hamas, resulting in the deaths of around 32,623 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Strip.
During the October 7 attack on Israel, Palestinian militants seized approximately 250 Israeli and foreign hostages. While dozens were released during a week-long truce in November, Israel estimates that about 130 hostages remain in Gaza, including 33 presumed dead, comprising eight soldiers and 25 civilians.
