The head of Israeli intelligence is set to spearhead ceasefire discussions with mediators in Qatar, responding directly to a fresh proposal from Hamas, a source close to the negotiations disclosed to Reuters on Saturday.

“Mossad head David Barnea, Qatar’s prime minister, and Egyptian officials will work on bridging remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas, focusing on issues like prisoner releases and humanitarian aid,” the source elaborated.

Israel announced its intention to dispatch a delegation to Doha on Friday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to convene the security cabinet prior to the talks.

Barnea has played a pivotal role in past ceasefire efforts, notably contributing to a short-lived truce in November following talks in Doha. However, a proposal for a temporary ceasefire brokered during his meeting with Qatar’s prime minister in January was ultimately rejected by Hamas.

Hamas recently presented a new ceasefire proposal to mediators and its ally, the United States, outlining the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners’ freedom.

Despite mounting international pressure over the human toll of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, efforts to secure a ceasefire and prisoner exchange have faltered this year.

The war, initiated by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties, with Israeli tallies reporting 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and 253 hostages seized. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 31,500 Palestinians, with approximately 70% being women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.