Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has authorised Mossad chief David Barnea to participate in ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing Gaza war.
According to the Associated Press, Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision on Saturday but did not specify when Barnea would travel to Doha, the site of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Israel’s decision to involve Mossad chief David Barnea in the Qatar negotiations is seen as a major development in the prolonged Gaza war. The high-level participation suggests Israel may be considering tangible steps toward a potential ceasefire.
Despite the war’s length, only one short-lived ceasefire was reached in its early weeks. Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been working to bridge the significant gap between Israeli and Hamas positions. Netanyahu has consistently emphasised the need to eliminate Hamas’ ability to wage war, citing security concerns. Conversely, Hamas has called for a complete Israeli troop withdrawal from the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates over 46,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, underlining the urgent need for a resolution.