In anticipation of a crucial meeting on New Year's Eve, the Israeli war cabinet is set to convene to address the potential release of approximately 50 hostages held by Hamas since October 7.
Sources within the Israeli defense ministry reveal that the war cabinet will engage in discussions with mediators from Qatar and Egypt during Sunday's meeting to progress negotiations on the release of the hostages.
David Burnea, the head of Israel's spy agency Mossad, has received government approval to advance discussions concerning the hostage release. A few weeks ago, Burnea held discussions with CIA chief William Burns and Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Warsaw, Poland, along with high-ranking Egyptian officials to explore the possibilities of securing the release.
Recent reports suggested Hamas might withdraw from the talks, insisting on a complete cessation of the war. Israeli authorities, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, have firmly maintained their positions on the eradication of Hamas, dismissing Hamas' stance.
Sources within the Israel defense ministry informed IANS that Hamas has returned to the negotiating table, driven by significant losses among its operatives during the conflict with Israel. The upcoming war cabinet meeting holds the promise of progress in securing the release of the hostages.
(With Agency Inputs)
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