Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza have intensified recently, with US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators engaging in talks. CIA chief William J. Burns held discussions with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.
Additionally, Burns had a confidential meeting with Mossad chief David Barnea in Jordan, as confirmed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Subsequent to the meeting, an Israeli statement alleged that Hamas is solidifying its positions and appears uninterested in a deal, potentially escalating tensions in the region during Ramadan, to the detriment of Palestinian residents in Gaza.
Gaza Ceasefire (Credits: Asharq Al-Awsat)
The outcome of the talks remains uncertain, and it’s unclear if any progress was made before Burns returned to the US on Saturday. The issue of a temporary pause versus a permanent end to the conflict contributed to the breakdown of talks in Cairo last weekend, according to the Washington Post.
Gaza Ceasefire (Credits: Fox 59)
Israel refrained from sending a delegation during the previous week’s meeting, resulting in limited or no results. The US and Israel are urging Hamas to accept their proposed ceasefire, involving a six-week truce and the release of at least half of the estimated 100 remaining hostages in the enclave.
Contrarily, Hamas is advocating for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated enclave, where a substantial number of Palestinians, at least 31,045, have been killed since October 7 amid a harsh Israeli land and air offensive.
