Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Jan 13: A high-level Israeli security delegation arrived in Qatar on Sunday for crucial talks aimed at securing a deal on the Gaza hostage crisis and a potential ceasefire agreement. The delegation, which includes key Israeli officials such as Mossad head David Barnea, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and the Israeli military's hostage operations head Nitzan Alon, is in Qatar for discussions with mediators Egypt and the United States.

This visit signals renewed efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the goal of freeing the remaining 98 hostages held by Hamas before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. While the specifics of the discussions remain under wraps, some progress has been reported in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, though major issues remain unresolved.

One of the key sticking points in the negotiations is Hamas's demand for an end to the war, while Israel insists that the fighting will continue as long as Hamas remains in control of Gaza and poses a threat to Israeli security. Israel launched its military assault on Gaza in October 2023 after Hamas fighters breached the border, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

The ongoing conflict has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with more than 46,000 people killed and much of the region destroyed. The bulk of Gaza's population has been displaced in the ongoing hostilities.