Claim: CIA to discuss ceasefire and hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel
It is claimed that US President Joe Biden will send CIA Director William Burns to hold talks on a ceasefire and a large-scale hostage exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.
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US President Joe Biden is reportedly set to send CIA Director William Burns to hold talks on a ceasefire and a large-scale hostage exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.
According to a report by The Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, Burns will travel to Europe in the coming days to participate in meetings with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts, as well as Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
According to the report, the discussions will focus on the longest pause in the conflict (in Gaza) since October 7, 2023, and the release of all hostages.
60-DAY CEASEFIRE
While the duration of the proposed pause in the conflict remains unknown, some reports have suggested that Israel has proposed a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of all hostages.
While White House officials declined to comment on questions from reporters yesterday regarding Burns' trip, White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby stated, "The discussions we are having to reach a new hostage deal are being conducted with seriousness."
CLAIM THAT HAMAS HAS SUSPENDED HOSTAGE EXCHANGE NEGOTIATIONS
In a report published in the Israeli press yesterday, it was claimed that Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas had suspended negotiations regarding a hostage exchange.
The report stated, "Hamas has informed Qatari mediators that it demands Israel withdraw all its forces from the Gaza Strip and end the war starting from the first phase of the agreement (hostage exchange)."