Israeli negotiators attending ceasefire and hostage release talks in Doha have expressed “cautious optimism,” even as some gaps between both sides persist, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Ga

Israel will send the chief of its Mossad intelligence agency to Qatar to continue talks over a potential ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, in a possible sign the negotiations may be advancing.

Mossad director's presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved. Along with Mossad chief, head of Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers will also be sent to Qatar to be part of negotiation talks.

Israel's prime minister Netanyahu announced the decision on Saturday to send the Mossad director for ceasefire negotiations regarding the Gaza conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched the Mossad director to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a sign of progress, the presence of the Mossad chief means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved in the ceasefire negotiations.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have mixed feelings towards reported progress in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel to establish a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage there.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched the Mossad director to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations, indicating progress in talks regarding Gaza.