CIA Director Burns assesses 'ceasefire in Gaza'

While Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continue during the month of Ramadan, efforts for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, are ongoing.

CIA Director William Burns stated in his remarks at the US House of Representatives that a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is still possible.

Burns said, "I think there is still a possibility for such an agreement. We are continuing our efforts on this matter by working very closely with our Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian counterparts. This is a very difficult process. I don't think anyone can guarantee success. The only thing I think we can guarantee is that the alternatives are worse."

"WE ARE NOT CLOSE"

Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari had stated at a press conference held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, that negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas were continuing, saying, "We are not close to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, but we remain hopeful."

Ansari had expressed that all parties were continuing to work to reach an agreement within the month of Ramadan, but that he "could not provide any timeline" for an agreement. Stating that "the situation is quite complex," Ansari noted that Qatar is working to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza rather than a short-term one.

MEDIATORS ARE TRYING TO SOFTEN THE PARTIES' POSITIONS

Qatar and Egypt continue their diplomatic efforts to reach a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli administration states that it will continue to fight until Hamas is "destroyed" and all hostages are released, and that it will only accept a "temporary ceasefire."

Hamas, on the other hand, states that it will not release the hostages until Israel withdraws completely from the Gaza Strip, and in exchange for the hostages, it demands the release of a large number of prisoners, including high-level figures sentenced to life imprisonment in Israel.

It is reported that mediators are trying to convince both sides to soften their demands.

News Source: İHA