In a significant development, the Israeli military cabinet decided to dispatch a delegation to Doha to advance negotiations over the terms of a potential hostage release deal in Gaza. The decision was reported by a radio station, which noted the seriousness of the talks and the intensity of the discussions at the highest levels of government. The move signals a continuation of covert diplomacy that has unfolded behind the scenes as negotiators work to secure a framework that could reduce the immediate danger to civilians and provide a pathway toward a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The source emphasizes that this is part of an ongoing effort to resolve a complex humanitarian and security crisis through dialogue rather than force.
The message from officials indicated that ministers arrived at this decision following reviews of the reports from the negotiators and after consultations held in Paris with representatives from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt regarding possible terms with the Palestinian movement Hamas. The emphasis on a multilateral approach reflects the international dimension of the effort and the belief that a sustainable agreement may require the involvement of several regional and global actors with varied interests and influence on the ground. The discussions in Paris are portrayed as a crucial touchstone in shaping a feasible path forward that could gain broad backing among major regional players and Western partners alike.
According to radio reports, a team described as a “delegation of experts” would travel to Doha to participate in the talks. The negotiation agenda reportedly covers the list of Palestinian detainees who could be released in exchange for the release of Israeli-held prisoners inside Gaza. The head of the Israeli delegation is identified as David Barnea, the director of Mossad, underscoring the significant intelligence and security oversight involved in the process. The involvement of such a senior figure signals the high stake of the negotiations and the delicate balance between intelligence assessments and diplomatic maneuvering as the parties seek a credible and verifiable agreement.
Radio outlets added that on the Sunday night of February 25, cabinet ministers began to scrutinize the details of the agreement that had previously been shaped during the discussions in Paris. The focus remained on achieving clarity about the mechanisms of implementation, verification, and monitoring that would accompany any ceasefire arrangement and hostage exchange, as well as assurances regarding the safety and humane treatment of all detainees. The evolving storyline underscores the complexity of bridging security concerns with humanitarian obligations while maintaining domestic political support for the moves underway.
Earlier reports from Kan outlined the terms under consideration for the Hamas negotiations, describing a model that would involve a one-day pause in hostilities and the return of a single hostage from Gaza in exchange for the release of ten Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities. This framework, if accepted, would represent a limited initial step designed to create space for further confidence-building measures and more expansive arrangements over time. The framing of these terms reflects a cautious, staged approach intended to reduce immediate tensions while preserving leverage for subsequent diplomacy. In parallel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s strategic objectives in its ongoing confrontation with Hamas, emphasizing security imperatives, the protection of Israeli civilians, and the broader goal of diminishing the threat posed by the group.