Israel will send the chief of its Mossad intelligence agency to Qatar to continue talks over a potential ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, in a possible sign the negotiations may be advancing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Saturday it had directed Mossad chief David Barnea to head a delegation “to depart for Doha to continue advancing a deal for the release of our hostages.

It wasn't immediately clear on Saturday when David Barnea would travel to Qatar’s capital for the latest round of indirect talks.

Israel is sending the head of the country's intelligence service to Qatar to engage in negotiations to free remaining hostages held by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed on Saturday.