Official reports from the Israeli Defense Forces or credible news sources

Netanyahu Sends Delegation to Qatar Amid Gaza Hostage Crisis and Islamic Jihad's Suicide Claim

Jan 2, 2025, 06:33 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized a delegation, including officials from Mossad, the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet), and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), to travel to Doha, Qatar, to resume negotiations on a hostage deal and ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of approximately 100 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. The negotiations have been mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, but have faced challenges due to new conditions set by Israel, including the continuation of the Gaza war and the non-withdrawal of Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad reported that an Israeli hostage attempted suicide three days ago due to his deteriorating psychological state, which they attribute to new conditions set by Netanyahu's government that have delayed his release. A medical team from Islamic Jihad intervened to prevent the suicide.