Israeli negotiators head to Qatar as hopes rise for Gaza hostage deal

Optimism over ceasefire-for-hostages deal as Trump says there ‘will be hell to pay’ if captives not released

An Israeli negotiating team has arrived for talks in Qatar amid renewed optimism that a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas in Gaza can be achieved by the end of the year.

Both sides have expressed optimism in recent days that a deal may be close for a phased release of the surviving hostages in Gaza in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.