Israel’s spy chief is expected in Qatar for the latest effort to end the nine-month-long hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the enclave, Reuters reports.

A source with knowledge of the talks said the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad intelligence service David Barnea, was heading to the Gulf emirate for discussions “aiming to bring the parties closer to a deal in Gaza”.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Barnea would meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a mediator.