David Barnea

Mossad Chief David Barnea to meet CIA Director William Burns in Qatar. Blinken says gaps between Hamas and Israel narrowing in hostage talks.

The official explained that this is the first time since the current round of negotiations started that the negotiating team has more specific positions and discretion to finalize a variety of items.

The talks between Israel, Qatar, and Egypt will reportedly focus on remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas, including over prisoner releases and humanitarian aid.

The Mossad charged that Hamas is seeking to escalate tensions ahead of Ramadan at the expense of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has insisted that any deal must allow for the IDF to complete its military campaign against Hamas.

Part of what has made Barnea crucial is the high respect accorded to him by all of the key players.

Gantz made the statements amid complaints that Netanyahu was making decisions concerning efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on his own without consulting the War Cabinet

"Also today, we are in the heat of a war, the Mossad, like 50 years ago, is obligated to settle the score with murderers who invaded the Gaza corridor on October 7."

The proposal would include the release of 40-50 hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting a few weeks.

Barnea: the war will only end when Hamas lays down its arms and hands over all those responsible and involved in the massacre on October 7.