Hostage crisis: Israel and Hamas engage in new round of negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized negotiators to continue talks in Doha aimed at reaching an agreement for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, his office announced on Thursday.

The statement comes amid renewed tensions between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of delaying the conclusion of a potential deal.

Netanyahu has allowed delegations from Mossad (Israel's external intelligence agency), Shin Bet (domestic security services), and the Israeli military to pursue indirect negotiations in Doha. The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have revived hopes for a breakthrough after weeks of impasse.

A Hamas delegation has also reportedly arrived in Cairo to prepare for upcoming negotiations in Doha, according to a Hamas official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.