Israeli delegation to attend upcoming Doha negotiations on ceasefire implementation

Israel has confirmed that they will be sending their delegation to Doha on February 8 where the next round of negotiations on the further implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip are going to be held.

The working-level delegation will include representatives from the country's intelligence agency Mossad and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media outlets. 

Previously, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he could confirm whether they will send a negotiation team to Doha only after personally meeting with the US administration's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz in Washington.

High on the negotiations agenda will be the further release of the remaining Israeli hostages that have been chosen to be returned in the first phase of the ceasefire in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. It was agreed that it would last 42 days and took effect on January 19. 

According to Turkish media reports, the envoys have been instructed by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to finalize the first phase of the deal and begin discussions on the second phase.

Experts warn, however, US President Donald Trump's recent statements  on a plan to “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians in order to rebuild the Gaza Strip could jeopardize negotiations.

By Nazrin Sadigova