Mossad and CIA directors expected to attend talks in Doha this weekend
A meeting is scheduled for this weekend in Qatar to resume talks on a possible hostage exchange and ceasefire deal in Gaza, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will host the meeting on Sunday, which will include CIA Director Bill Burns and Mossad Director David Barnea. The discussions are expected to focus on a new proposal based on prior negotiations that fell apart over the summer.
While it is unclear who currently represents Hamas in Gaza, the group’s primary contact for negotiations outside the region is Khalil Al-Hayya. The source noted that, following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the organization’s political leadership appears to have gained more influence.
“There is a U.S. negotiating delegation visiting Doha to meet with Israeli negotiators, and we will discuss ways to achieve a breakthrough in these talks,” Al Thani stated Thursday alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The U.S. sees this as a potential opportunity for a ceasefire and hostage deal, which could be “the quickest way” to secure the release of hostages and end the conflict in Gaza. Blinken has previously indicated that Sinwar was a key obstacle to reaching such an agreement.
