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Israel decides to send delegation to Qatar to discuss deal with Hamas — report

According to Kan radio station, the sides will discuss specific issues, including the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released

TEL AVIV, February 25. /TASS/. The Israeli war cabinet has decided to send a delegation to Qatar to continue talks for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, Kan radio reported.

The decision was made, according to the report, after the ministers heard reports from negotiators and discussed in a conference call the outcome of consultations that were held with officials from the US, Qatar and Egypt in Paris on February 23 and 24 to broker a deal with Hamas.

Kan reported that a "delegation of specialists" will be traveling to Doha. According to the radio station, the sides will discuss specific issues, including the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released.

The Israeli war cabinet overnight into Sunday started discussing the details of the deal that was agreed in Paris, according to the report. It will reconvene on Sunday to continue discussions.

According to Kan, the new deal would provide for the return of one hostage held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a one-day pause in hostilities and the release of 10 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. According to the radio station, the agreement calls for a six-week pause in fighting.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas has cast the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel has declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started a military operation there. Israel also strikes parts of Lebanon and Syria in retaliation for bombardments originating from these countries. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.