Israel’s Mossad chief David Barnea met Thursday in Qatar with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani for the highest-level talks since Gaza ceasefire negotiations collapsed three weeks ago, Axios reported. 

The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to secure a comprehensive deal to end the war, free all hostages held by Hamas, and avert an Israeli offensive in Gaza City.

Barnea told Qatari officials that Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City is not a bluff and will proceed if negotiations stall.

Mediators are seeking progress before any operation begins. Last week, Qatar’s prime minister met White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who conveyed President Donald Trump’s opposition to partial agreements.

Meanwhile, Hamas leaders held talks in Istanbul and Cairo with Turkish and Egyptian officials, who urged them to return to negotiations and reach a ceasefire deal.

Read more at Axios.