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 has approved 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 Ga

Spy agency director David Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.