Israel Sends Delegation to Negotiations with Hamas on Hostage Release

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the US President yesterday that he had decided to send a delegation to continue negotiations with Hamas on the release of hostages, his administration announced.

In a phone call between the two leaders, Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Israel will end its nearly nine-month operation in Gaza once it achieves all its objectives, the statement said.

Israeli television Channel 12 reported that the Israeli delegation will be led by the head of the Mossad intelligence service.

It is unclear where the negotiations are supposed to take place. They have so far been mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with meetings held in both countries.

Israel received Hamas's response on Wednesday to a proposal that Biden presented at the end of May, which includes the release of 120 Israeli hostages from Gaza and a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

A well-informed Palestinian source said that Hamas has shown flexibility regarding some elements that, if accepted by Israel, would allow a broader agreement to be reached.