Direct Phone Talks Between Shin Bet Chief and Hamas Official Facilitated Hostage Negotiations

During the recent conflict, direct telephone conversations took place between then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and senior Hamas official Razi Khammad, according to a report on Kan 11's "This Morning" program. These secret talks were conducted with the approval of both Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The purpose of these discussions was to address contentious issues related to negotiations for the release of hostages. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that several calls occurred, but ultimately, the hostage release agreement was achieved through the involvement of mediating countries. This revelation adds context to the broader efforts surrounding the hostage crisis during the war.