The Israeli government has reportedly canceled Mossad chief David Barnea's planned trip to Qatar for talks on a potential second hostage release deal. The visit was intended to resume negotiations on the release of hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza.
Israel's war cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the decision to call off the trip. The Mossad chief, appointed in June 2021, was expected to discuss the release of hostages taken during Hamas' attack on Israel in October. While formal negotiations have not resumed, discussions among Israel, the US, and Qatar have continued in an effort to restart talks.
Key Points:
1. Mossad chief David Barnea's planned trip to Qatar for talks on a potential second hostage release deal has been canceled by the Israeli government, as reported by an informed source.
2. Barnea, who assumed the role of Director of Israel's foreign intelligence service in June 2021, was expected to participate in negotiations concerning the release of hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza.
3. The cancellation was reportedly decided by Israel's war cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with senior officials opting not to resume negotiations in Qatar.
4. The Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, directly answers to the Prime Minister.
5. Approximately 240 individuals, ranging from infants to octogenarians, were taken hostage during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
6. Israel's Prime Minister’s office estimates that 135 hostages remain in Gaza, with 116 confirmed to be alive.
7. A humanitarian pause from November 24-30 resulted in the release of 86 Israeli and 24 foreign national hostages, but formal negotiations have not resumed since talks broke down earlier this month in Doha.
8. Despite the cancellation of Barnea's trip, ongoing discussions between Israel, the US, and Qatar aim to find ways to restart negotiations, according to CNN sources.
9. Families of Israeli hostages expressed outrage over the decision to cancel Barnea's trip, demanding answers and criticizing the perceived indifference and deadlock in addressing their concerns.
10. The families' statement highlighted their disappointment in the rejection of the Mossad Director's request for an agreement on the hostages' release, emphasizing the lack of response to their requests to meet with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Mossad Chief Scheduled to Travel to Qatar for Finalizing Hostage Deal
ALSO READ | Strategic Talks Unfold: CIA Director, Mossad Chief Holds Talks with Qatar Prime Minister
