ALBAWABA - In the midst of continuing hostilities, official talks for a possible prisoner swap between Hamas and Tel Aviv have begun in Qatar. According to reports, an Israeli delegation headed by Mossad Chief David Barnea has arrived in Doha in order to initiate formal negotiations with members of Hamas.
Anticipated to be lengthy and complex, the negotiations represent an important stage in settling the dispute. Separate rooms have been set up for Israeli and Hamas delegates, thanks to the mediation of Qatari and Egyptian officials.
The talks are anticipated to go for around two weeks, with Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas, finally making the final decisions. Hamas had earlier sent mediators in Qatar and Egypt its demands for an agreement on a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire.
Israel, however, has denounced Hamas' demands as being absurd. Ronen Bar, the director of Shin Bet, and Nitzan Alon, who is in charge of the Israeli captive and missing person file, are part of the Israeli delegation.
Now that both parties are navigating difficult negotiations in the hopes of reaching a viable agreement, all eyes are on the outcome of these discussions.
