NewsCIA Chief in Cairo for Critical Talks to End Israel-Hamas Conflict
CIA Chief in Cairo for Critical Talks to End Israel-Hamas Conflict
7:36 PM EDT, April 5, 2024
CIA Director William J. Burns is set to hold talks in Cairo on Saturday, with expectations leaning towards achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. "The talks are currently at a deadlock," reports The New York Times.
Burns plays a crucial role in negotiations aimed at ending the hostilities between Israel and Palestine. American officials believe an essential step towards peace involves exchanging Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The New York Times also reports that the discussions are anticipated to include the head of the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad, and negotiators from Egypt and Qatar. The newspaper explains that the American and Israeli proposals are communicated indirectly to Hamas through Egyptian and Qatari officials.
Biden spoke with Netanyahu
Following a phone call on Thursday between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, there's renewed focus on the talks. Biden emphasized the need for "immediate ceasefire" and the release of hostages held by Hamas, highlighting that previous discussions had been at a stalemate for weeks.
The ongoing contention centers around the requirement from Hamas for the return of Palestinians to the northern part of the Gaza Strip, a demand Israel views unfavorably, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
