Israeli negotiators to continue hostage talks

JERUSALEM/GAZA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized negotiators to continue talks on a hostage release, his office said on Thursday, after Israel and Hamas traded blame for their slow progress.

Indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have taken place in Doha in recent weeks, rekindling hope for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement that has so far proven elusive.

But late last month the two sides accused each other of throwing up roadblocks, again delaying a deal.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the professional-level delegation of the Mossad, the IDF (military) and the ISA (internal security agency) to continue the negotiations in Doha," a statement from his office said.

Hamas also said on Thursday its delegation had visited Egypt's capital Cairo to address challenges surrounding a cease-fire agreement.

Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha said that the delegation's visit to Cairo was part of discussions with mediators. The visit aimed to address obstacles and conditions recently imposed by Israel, Taha said, adding that Hamas is open to any efforts that serve the benefit of the Palestinian people.

Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, also revealed on Thursday that Palestinian factions are close to reaching a cease-fire deal with Israel.

In December, Hamas had said that though negotiations were continuing in a serious manner, Israeli negotiators had put forward new conditions which delayed reaching a deal. Israel swiftly rebuffed the accusation, saying it was Hamas that was creating new obstacles.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 50 people across central and southern Gaza on Thursday, including an attack on a sprawling tent camp that Israel has repeatedly bombed despite designating it a humanitarian safe zone. Israel said the strike targeted a high-ranking police officer.

Xinhua - Agencies