Netanyahu Sends Negotiation Delegation to Doha Amid U.S. Efforts to Free Hostages and Prevent Wider Escalation
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a negotiation delegation to Doha as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States to secure the release of hostages and prevent a broader escalation in the region. This move comes amid intensified attempts to de-escalate rising tensions and seek political solutions to the ongoing crisis.
Mohamed Aboelsoud 
In a notable move on the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday evening that he had met with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office revealed that he also spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking him for his role in facilitating the release of hostage Idan Alexander.
The statement added that Trump reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security and his desire to maintain close cooperation with the Israeli government. Netanyahu stated that during his meeting with Witkoff and Huckabee, he discussed the U.S.
envoy’s initiative aimed at freeing the hostages before any escalation of military operations. He confirmed that he had instructed the dispatch of a negotiating team to the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday. "I made it clear that negotiations will take place only under fire," Netanyahu added, referring to the continuation of military operations alongside diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, the American news outlet Axios reported that Witkoff has been conducting indirect talks with Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediation, while simultaneously coordinating with Israel, in an effort to reach a comprehensive agreement that includes the release of hostages and broader peace negotiations.
