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Israel’s spy chief, David Barnea, is set to travel to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations, while the US plans to put a resolution calling for an immediate truce in Gaza to a UN Security Council vote, intensifying pressure on its ally.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt could still reach a ceasefire deal between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel.
Qatari negotiations aim for a six-week truce, allowing Israeli hostages’ release in exchange for Palestinian detainees, enabling more aid for a famine-prone enclave.
Hamas claims it will release hostages only as part of a deal that would end the war, while Israel claims it will discuss only a temporary pause.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Barnea will travel to Qatar on Friday to meet mediators.
Israel claims Hamas gunmen are holding out at a medical complex, despite Hamas denying this. Israel claims to have killed 150 fighters and captured 358 militants in recent days.
The US has gradually increased pressure on Israel at the UN, with a draft UN Security Council resolution indicating further toughening.
This shift coincides with global condemnation of the five-month-old war, Palestinian civilian deaths, domestic political opposition to US President Joe Biden’s stance, and the possibility of a manmade famine in Gaza.
The UN suggests a six-week ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid, while a Security Council resolution supports Qatar talks, freeing Israeli hostages, and releasing Palestinian detained in Israeli jails.
The resolution requires nine votes and no veto from the US, France, Britain, Russia, or China. European Union leaders call for immediate ceasefire. US wants Security Council support linked to Hamas hostage release in Gaza.
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