Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed a senior delegation to travel to Doha, Qatar, to continue discussions with Hamas regarding the release of Israeli hostages being held in the Gaza Strip. This decision followed a situation assessment held on Saturday evening, involving Defence Minister Israel Katz and US negotiators from both the outgoing and incoming administrations.
The Israeli delegation includes high-level officials, including David Barnea, head of the Israeli Mossad, and Ronen Bar, chief of Shin Bet internal security. Concurrently, Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to prepare for a “total defeat” of Hamas if a deal for the hostages’ release is not finalized by January 20. Katz emphasized the need to dismantle Hamas, regardless of Gaza’s post-war reconstruction plans.
This directive comes amid ongoing peace talks, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, with approximately 250 people taken hostage. The negotiations surrounding the ceasefire and potential prisoner swap have recently gained momentum.
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