Israeli and Qatari officials are due to meet in Norway on Saturday in an attempt to restart talks on the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a cease-fire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani is scheduled to meet in Oslo with David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, the publication reports, citing people familiar with the matter. Barnea is also likely to meet with Egyptian officials, the media outlet says. 

The resumption of talks on a new hostage deal has been hampered by serious obstacles, including disagreements over possible terms with Hamas, the knowledgeable sources said.