Netanyahu briefs Biden on hostage talks amid renewed efforts in Doha

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with US President Joe Biden about the progress of negotiations concerning the release of hostages in Gaza.

The conversation included details about the mandate given to the Israeli delegation that arrived in Qatar's capital on January 12 to advance the process, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just held a discussion with US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister updated the President on the progress of the negotiations to secure the release of hostages and briefed him on the mandate provided to the delegation in Doha to expedite the process.”

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Biden for his cooperation, describing the mission as a "sacred task." He also extended thanks to newly elected US President Donald Trump for his support.

Earlier, Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office informed that the Israeli delegation had arrived in Qatar to negotiate a deal for the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza. Gendelman added that talks were scheduled to begin on January 12.

In a recent development, a senior Hamas official has informed that a list featuring 34 hostages, including 10 women, 11 elderly men, and several children, who the group is prepared to release as part of a proposed initial ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The list notably includes children who were previously declared deceased by Hamas following an Israeli air strike. The hostages are aged between 50 and 85, with some reportedly in poor health. However, the status of all individuals remains uncertain.

The announcement follows Israeli air strikes in Gaza over the weekend that reportedly left over 100 people dead. The Israeli prime minister's office has denied receiving a hostage list from Hamas.

Ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, have resumed but remain at an impasse. A Hamas official said that the release of Israeli hostages would hinge on Israel's agreement to withdraw from Gaza and establish a lasting ceasefire.

By Aghakazim Guliyev