Israeli delegation in Doha for talks on potential Gaza deal, official confirms

An Israeli technical team is currently in Doha, engaging in critical discussions with Qatari mediators to resolve "remaining issues" in a ceasefire deal for Gaza and the release of hostages, according to a source familiar with the talks. The discussions are primarily focused on bridging gaps between Israel and Hamas within the framework U.S. President Joe Biden outlined in May 2024.

Destroyed buildings stand, amid the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, December 16, 2024.Reuters

Although efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to broker peace have gained momentum in recent weeks, no breakthrough has been reached so far. The three countries have led numerous rounds of negotiations over the past year, attempting to end the war that has lasted 14 months in Gaza.

The meetings follow a trip by David Barnea, who heads Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, to Doha on Wednesday, the source said, though there was no indication that Barnea was present at the current meetings.

Previous negotiations stalled over Israel's new demands regarding its military presence in Gaza, even after Hamas agreed to a version of the proposal introduced by Biden. In mid-October, talks collapsed once again when Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal.