Iran Report: Israeli Gaza negotiators arrive in Cairo

Against the backdrop of an impending military escalation in the Middle East, an Israeli delegation has arrived in Cairo for indirect Gaza negotiations, according to a media report. The delegation included the heads of the secret services Mossad (foreign), David Barnea, and Shin Bet (domestic), Ronen Bar, wrote the well-connected Israeli journalist Barak Ravid in the online news portal "walla.co.il".

Egypt, Qatar and the USA are mediating in the indirect negotiations with the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The new round of talks is not under a good star. The deadly attacks on Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Tehran and on Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut have brought the entire region to the brink of war. Hanija, one of the Islamist organization's main negotiators, was also killed - with uncertain consequences for the progress of the already difficult talks, which have been going round in circles for months.

They are aimed at a ceasefire in the almost ten-month-long Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In return, Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli prisons. Recently, Israel's position has hardened as it insists on its military remaining in strategic locations in the Gaza Strip for longer.

According to the report, the meeting in Cairo with Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamal and other high-ranking government representatives will focus on the release of hostages and future security measures on the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Israel wants to prevent Hamas from obtaining supplies of weapons and ammunition via this border.

Israel has not yet commented on the killing of Haniya, who was on a state visit to Iran. Israel claimed responsibility for the attack on Shukr, an important military planner for the Lebanese Shiite militia. Iran and Hezbollah are threatening the Jewish state with massive retaliation.

According to the "walla.co.il" report, Qatar has temporarily withdrawn from the Gaza talks as a mediator. The Gulf emirate is maintaining contact with Hamas in the process. Hanija was living in exile in the Qatari capital Doha. He was also buried there on Friday.