Israel Scraps Mossad Director's Qatar Visit Amid Stalled Hostage Negotiations
Israel has called off Mossad Chief David Barnea's trip to Qatar meant to reinitiate discussions regarding a potential second exchange of hostages, as reported by CNN based on a source's information.
David Barnea was expected to travel to Doha for negotiations over hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. However, following an initial report by Israel's Channel 13, it was confirmed that the Israeli security cabinet, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, decided against the visit, halting further talks.
During Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, approximately 240 individuals ranging from babies to the elderly were captured. Despite some releases, many are still missing, believed to be detained in Gaza after a ceasefire fell apart last month. CNN indicates that Israeli authorities estimate 135 hostages remain in Gaza, with 115 presumed alive.
Conversations in Doha stalled earlier this month, and while no formal discussions have restarted, Israel, the US, and Qatar are reportedly seeking ways to reignite the negotiations.
The cancellation of Barnea's Qatar visit has sparked anger among the hostages' relatives, who are seeking responses and are frustrated with the ongoing stalemate and lack of communication with Israeli leaders.
Barnea has been at the forefront of Israel's negotiation efforts, while CIA Director Bill Burns has assumed a similar role for the US. Among the hostages are eight Americans, with the US participating in the mediation process alongside Qatar, which has been engaging with Hamas directly.
Families of the American captives recently met with President Joe Biden and had discussions at the CIA with Bill Burns. A CNN source noted that Hamas has not responded to recent attempts to revive negotiations.
Even without active talks, Qatar has put forth new strategies to Hamas for the release of more captives from Gaza, potentially involving both men and women. A senior US official described ongoing efforts as "a real exploration of ideas" rather than formal negotiations.
During Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, approximately 240 individuals ranging from babies to the elderly were captured. Despite some releases, many are still missing, believed to be detained in Gaza after a ceasefire fell apart last month. CNN indicates that Israeli authorities estimate 135 hostages remain in Gaza, with 115 presumed alive.
Conversations in Doha stalled earlier this month, and while no formal discussions have restarted, Israel, the US, and Qatar are reportedly seeking ways to reignite the negotiations.
The cancellation of Barnea's Qatar visit has sparked anger among the hostages' relatives, who are seeking responses and are frustrated with the ongoing stalemate and lack of communication with Israeli leaders.
Barnea has been at the forefront of Israel's negotiation efforts, while CIA Director Bill Burns has assumed a similar role for the US. Among the hostages are eight Americans, with the US participating in the mediation process alongside Qatar, which has been engaging with Hamas directly.
Families of the American captives recently met with President Joe Biden and had discussions at the CIA with Bill Burns. A CNN source noted that Hamas has not responded to recent attempts to revive negotiations.
Even without active talks, Qatar has put forth new strategies to Hamas for the release of more captives from Gaza, potentially involving both men and women. A senior US official described ongoing efforts as "a real exploration of ideas" rather than formal negotiations.
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