Israel is dispatching a delegation to Doha to engage in discussions regarding a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, coinciding with the reception of the US Secretary of State by Qatar’s Emir today.
As confirmed by a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s delegation is set to arrive in Doha on Sunday.
They will collaborate with Qatari officials – who have played a pivotal role as mediators with Hamas, the militant organization governing Gaza – as well as US diplomats in efforts to resume negotiations concerning a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Today, Mr. Blinken was photographed being welcomed by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, upon his arrival in the capital of Qatar.
This marks the 11th visit of the US Secretary to the Middle East since the commencement of hostilities in Gaza a year prior, following the assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and approximately 250 taken as captives.
The tragic event, considered the most lethal day in Israeli history, catalyzed Israel’s military operations within the besieged enclave of Gaza, where local health officials report that over 42,000 individuals have perished in the past year.
Today alone, seven children were among at least 17 fatalities resulting from an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp located in central Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities and hospital sources.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported that four soldiers lost their lives and six sustained injuries during clashes in southern Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed militant organization Hezbollah has been engaged in confrontations with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Mossad Chief David Barnea is included in the Israeli delegation traveling to Doha for the discussions.
He is scheduled to meet with CIA Director William Burns and the Qatari Prime Minister, as stated by Mr. Netanyahu’s office today.
“The involved parties will deliberate on the different options for initiating negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas
in captivity, amidst the latest developments,” it read.
Read more:
Analysis: Implications of Sinwar’s demise on the Gaza conflict?
‘This land is ours, it is our right’
Prolonged efforts in ceasefire negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar stalled during the summer months.
After engaging in discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mr. Blinken remarked that it has yet to be established whether Hamas is ready to participate in new negotiations, although he urged the group to do so.
This visit is his first to the region following Israel’s elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was a key architect of the group’s assault on October 7.
The United States has suggested that his death should serve as a moment to attempt to restore peace.
