In a bid to achieve a ceasefire in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip, Qatar has presented new proposals aimed at reviving a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
A Palestinian source revealed that a high-level Qatari delegation has been engaged in exploratory talks with Israeli officials in unannounced meetings held in Norway since Saturday.
The proposed deal involves the release of three senior Israeli officers in exchange for several days of humanitarian truce in Gaza, to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.
The new Qatari diplomatic efforts came after three Israeli soldiers, who were captured by Hamas, were accidentally killed by the Israeli army in Gaza.
The unprecedented incident sparked controversy among the Israelis and led to the intensification of pressure on the Israeli government to release the remaining 129 hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas, the de facto ruler of the war-torn enclave, declined to be involved in any new negotiations with Israel unless the latter ends its offensive on Gaza.
Qatar's diplomatic efforts, conducted in coordination with Egypt, aim to reach new understandings for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The source emphasized that the discussions are exploratory and involve the potential release of the remaining 129 hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas, the de facto ruler of Gaza, has declined to engage in any new negotiations with Israel unless the latter ends its offensive on the region. In a press statement, Hamas asserted that they would not consider any proposals unless the Israeli aggression ceased in Gaza.
Qatar and Egypt had previously mediated a seven-day humanitarian truce, resulting in the release of 86 Israeli hostages and 24 foreign hostages from Gaza. The current diplomatic efforts come amid escalating tensions and heavy Israeli strikes on Gaza, which have been ongoing since October 7, resulting in a significant toll on the Palestinian population.