Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his spy chief to Qatar for talks with mediators on a Gaza conflict ceasefire that could see Hamas fighters release hostages seized in the October 7 attacks, sources said, AFP reports.

Amidst new optimism over a possible breakthrough, Netanyahu called a meeting of his security cabinet for late Thursday to discuss new Hamas proposals sent through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, reports said.

Israel believes dozens of hostages are still alive in Gaza and with the offensive taking an increasing human toll in the devastated Palestinian territory both sides face mounting international pressure to reach a deal.

Mossad chief David Barnea was to lead an Israeli delegation to Qatar that has spent months trying to bring the enemies to the negotiating table, according to a source with knowledge of the talks.

He was expected in Doha on Friday and was to meet the Gulf state’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Barnea’s delegation “is travelling to Qatar in a continuation of talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal.