Qatari intelligence officers arrived on Saturday for an indefinite stay in Israel, the official said, adding that cooperation between the agencies is "traditionally close", despite the lack of formal relations between the countries.
A Qatari delegation travelled to Israel on Saturday to discuss a possible extension to the truce, another official told Reuters on Saturday, but it was unclear if intelligence officials were involved in the talks.
Gas-rich Gulf state Qatar hosts several top Hamas officials and the group's political office.
Qatar also has cordial relations with Iran, Israel's arch-foe, which backs Hamas.
Writing by Dan Williams and Andrew Mills; Editing by Alexander SmithOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Dan Williams, Andrew Mills, Alexander Smith
Organizations:
Hamas, Prime, Office, Qatari, Sunday, Reuters, ", Thomson
Locations:
Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, JERUSALEM, Doha, Qatar, Iran