Axios: Israeli-Qatari meeting is expected to resume prisoner negotiations

WORLD, Dec. 16 (YPA) – Director of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad David Barnea is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, Arab news reported citing to platform Axios.

The officials would discuss resuming negotiations for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages, Axios said.

According to Axois, Israel’s return to the table suggests it is ready to try to explore a new hostage deal.

The previous deal was derailed two weeks ago after Hamas refused to release the remaining women it is holding hostage.

Behind-the-scenes Qatari mediators contacted Israeli officials last weekend to see if there was an interest in relaunching indirect talks with Hamas on a new deal.

One of the sources said such an expected agreement could include “humanitarian elements”, such as the release of the elderly and those with serious medical conditions, or the release of prisoners who were seriously injured.

E.M