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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

Mossad director's presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved. Along with Mossad chief, head of Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers will also be sent to Qatar to be part of negotiation talks.