Mossad chief remains in Qatar awaiting Hamas decision After hostage talks

A crucial meeting focused on the resumption of negotiations concerning hostages concluded overnight in Doha, Qatar.

Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea flew to Doha on October 27 to discuss attempts to move toward a hostage release deal with CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

Discussions centered around the "Egyptian initiative," which proposes a 48-hour ceasefire in exchange for the release of several Palestinian prisoners and the freedom of four hostages. 

Following the talks, it was determined that Barnea would remain in Qatar as the parties await Hamas' response. Should the response be favorable, negotiations could potentially resume within the next few days.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by IDF troops earlier this month, a development Israeli and Western leaders have described as an “opportunity” to make progress on a deal that would see the release of some or all the hostages held in Gaza.

Hamas will not be involved in this round of meetings, an Israeli official said, but could potentially join a subsequent round, with mediators shuttling between the terror group and Israeli negotiators.

Qatar hosts a number of top Hamas leaders on its territory.

Israel is exploring the possibility of a small deal designed to kick-start talks with Hamas about a comprehensive deal, said the official, and to understand Hamas decision-making after Sinwar’s death.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said in a Cairo press conference on October 27 that his country had proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza to exchange four Israeli hostages for some Palestinian prisoners.

The Egyptian proposal — which would include 10 days of negotiations after the release of the 4 hostages — was presented by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar last week to the national security cabinet. 

By Vafa Guliyeva