Israel says Paris talks on hostage deal were ‘constructive,’ will continue this week

‘Significant gaps’ remain, says Prime Minister’s Office, after US, Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials meet to weigh pause in fighting in exchange for release of hostages

The Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday confirmed that a four-way meeting between the US, Israel, Qatar and Egypt took place “in Europe” to discuss a potential deal to free all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a two-month ceasefire.

The PMO called the discussions, which have been widely reported to be held in Paris, “constructive.”

“There are still significant gaps that the sides will discuss this week in additional meetings,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office added in a statement.

CIA Director Bill Burns discussed the contours of the emerging agreement in France with David Barnea, the head of the Mossad intelligence agency, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Israel also sent Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Ben security service, as well as IDF hostage envoy Nitzan Alon to the summit.