Gaza statement from US and UK intelligence: Is a ceasefire deal possible?

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) Richard Moore have announced that they are continuing their efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Stating that a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement in the Gaza Strip could 'end the suffering and horrific loss of life of Palestinian civilians,' Burns and Moore also emphasized that the deal could enable the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 to their homes.

In a joint press statement, Burns and Moore noted that intelligence channels are being used to make progress toward de-escalating tensions in Gaza.

The two officials also noted that both intelligence services are continuing their work "without pause" for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal in Gaza.

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, citing the need to 'respond to continuous violations against Palestinians and sacred values, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque.'

Israel announced that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 5,132 people were injured in the attacks on October 7.

In the attacks Israel has carried out on the Gaza Strip since October 7, at least 40,878 Palestinians, including 16,715 children and 11,308 women, have been killed, and 94,454 people have been injured.

While it is reported that thousands of bodies remain under the rubble, civilian infrastructure is also being destroyed by targeting hospitals and educational institutions where people have taken shelter.

The Israeli army announced that since October 7, when its attacks on the Gaza Strip began, 705 of its soldiers have been killed, 339 of them during the ground invasion process, and 4,401 soldiers have been injured.

During the "humanitarian pause" in the fighting, which was granted for 4 days on November 24, 2023, and later extended for another 3 days, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to detain and imprison thousands of Palestinians.

In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, 691 Palestinians have lost their lives in attacks by Israeli soldiers and Israelis who have usurped Palestinian lands since October 7, 2023.

News Source: AA