Mossad Chief David Barnea to Lead Delegation to Qatar and advance negotiations for Hostage Deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday evening that Mossad Director David Barnea will travel to Qatar at the head of a high-ranking delegation to advance negotiations on a hostage deal and a potential ceasefire in Gaza. The trip is part of ongoing international efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, to reach a deal by January 20, the deadline for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

In a statement from Netanyahu’s office, it was revealed that the Prime Minister had met with Steve Witkoff, President-elect Trump's designated Middle East envoy, to discuss the hostage situation. After the meeting, Netanyahu instructed Barnea and Shin Bet head Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon and political advisor Ofir Falk, to travel to Doha to continue pushing for a breakthrough on the hostage issue.

A senior Hamas official told the Qatari news outlet Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed that negotiations were in their final stages, with the mediators making arrangements to announce an agreement soon. Barnea’s trip is crucial for approving the final changes to the deal.

Families of Abductees Urge for Swift Action

The headquarters representing the families of the hostages welcomed the announcement of the delegation’s trip to Qatar. In a statement, the families called on the delegation to seize this "opportunity" and bring home the long-awaited news of an agreement that would guarantee the return of all hostages—alive for rehabilitation or, tragically, deceased for proper burial in Israel.

“We must not miss this opportunity! Act until white smoke comes out and return home with the long-awaited news,” the families’ headquarters said.

Progress Report on Doha Talks

Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed reported this morning that talks in Doha were progressing positively, with a Palestinian source revealing that Hamas had sent Israel a new message proposing solutions to the outstanding issues. The proposal suggests postponing some of the more contentious points to later stages of the agreement while moving forward with other parts of the deal.

According to the source, the Qatari and American mediators have shown support for Hamas’ latest proposal, with Egypt expressing flexibility on the issue of Israel’s presence in the Philadelphia corridor, which has been a major sticking point.

Israel to Respond to Hamas Proposal

The Palestinian source indicated that the negotiations have reached their closest point to a final agreement since the talks began, with Israel now reviewing the new proposal. The plan, which involves three distinct time periods, would pave the way for further negotiations on the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Israeli officials revealed that between 45 and 51 hostages, including male and female soldiers, are still being held in Gaza. Some of these hostages may be released in the deal's first phase.

US and Israeli Cooperation

Reports also indicated that Israel had communicated with officials from the incoming Trump administration, signaling that Israel wants to retain the right to resume military operations in Gaza if necessary. Meanwhile, US National Security Council spokesman Joe Kirby expressed optimism about the ongoing talks, stating that a deal could be reached before January 20, but stressed that compromises would be required.

Optimism for Agreement

Following Netanyahu’s meeting on the hostage issue, security sources expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that the chances for an agreement had improved. The heightened diplomatic efforts in Qatar reflect a shared urgency to resolve the hostage crisis as the region prepares for a new political landscape in the US.

As the Israeli delegation prepares to meet with Hamas negotiators in Doha, all eyes are on whether the deal can be finalized before the Trump administration takes office, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict.