UPDATE - Egyptian delegation, Israeli Mossad chief discuss Gaza cease-fire, hostage deal

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Ibrahim Khazen

CAIRO (AA) - An Egyptian security and military delegation met with Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea and a team from the security service Shin Bet in Egypt's capital Cairo to discuss ways to achieve a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, local media reported Friday.

Citing an unnamed security source, the Egyptian Cairo News Channel reported that the meeting follows a recent confirmation of discussions between the Egyptian delegation and leaders from the Palestinian group Hamas.

The source noted that "the high-level Egyptian security and military delegation engaged in talks with the Mossad chief and the Shin Bet team."

"This meeting is part of Egypt's intensive efforts to resume negotiations for a cease-fire and to establish stability in the region," it added.

The Egyptian authorities reiterated their opposition to the ongoing military offensive in northern Gaza and warned of the dangers posed by Israel's continued obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries to the area.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that negotiations for a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas will resume in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.

In a post on X, Netanyahu’s office said: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Egypt's readiness to advance a deal for the release of the hostages.”

“The Prime Minister has directed the Director of the Mossad to leave for Doha and advance a series of initiatives that are on the agenda, with the backing of the members of the Security Cabinet,” the office added.

On Thursday, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced in a press conference in Doha, alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, that Doha will host a new round of negotiations regarding the cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since an attack last year by Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 42,800 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 100,500 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi.