Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Qatar's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, engaged in a telephone conversation on Thursday to discuss ongoing political efforts aimed at halting Israel's aggression against the Gaza Strip.
During their discussion, the diplomats exchanged views on various initiatives proposed to establish a ceasefire, facilitate the exchange of captives, and ensure the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza affected by the conflict.
The Israeli military campaign, launched on October 7 last year in response to a surprise operation by Gaza's resistance groups known as al-Aqsa Storm, has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children. The conflict has also led to the capture of hundreds of individuals.
A previous humanitarian ceasefire in late November facilitated the exchange of 240 Palestinian captives held by Israel for 105 individuals, including Israelis and foreigners, held in Gaza. However, reports suggest that approximately 130 captives remain in Gaza, while thousands of Palestinians are detained in Israeli jails without charge.
Recent discussions, including talks in Paris involving Israeli, American, Egyptian, and Qatari representatives, have reportedly resulted in a potential swap deal. According to reports from Qatar's Al Jazeera television network, the deal involves Israel releasing 400 Palestinian captives in exchange for 40 individuals held by the Gaza-based resistance group, Hamas. The agreement would also include a six-week-long truce.