CIA Director William Burns is expected to travel back to Cairo on Saturday for more mediation seeking hostage releases and a cease-fire in Israel’s war with Hamas. Burns’ latest trip comes as the Biden administration steps up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a cease-fire in Israel’s six-month war in Gaza, in exchange for Hamas releasing more of the hostages seized in its Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
Quick Read
- CIA Involvement: CIA Director William Burns is set to return to Cairo for further mediation efforts to secure hostage releases and negotiate a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- Biden Administration’s Stance: The U.S. is increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire, contingent on the release of hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7.
- Meeting Details: Burns’ visit will include discussions with David Barnea, head of Mossad, and representatives from Egypt and Qatar. The talks with Hamas are conducted indirectly, with messages passed through mediators.
- Presidential Urgency: President Joe Biden emphasized the need for an immediate cease-fire and the swift return of hostages during a candid conversation with Netanyahu, highlighting the importance of empowering negotiators to reach a resolution.
The Associated Press has the story:
CIA Director expected back in Cairo for more talks on hostages-ceasefire
Newslooks- WASHINGTON — (AP)
CIA Director William Burns is expected to travel back to Cairo on Saturday for more mediation seeking hostage releases and a cease-fire in Israel’s war with Hamas. Burns’ latest trip comes as the Biden administration steps up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a cease-fire in Israel’s six-month war in Gaza, in exchange for Hamas releasing more of the hostages seized in its Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
An official familiar with the negotiations confirmed the plans. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.
David Barnea, the head of Mossad, Israel’s spy agency, and negotiators from Egypt and Qatar are expected to attend. The Hamas side of the talks are indirect, with proposals relayed through third parties to Hamas leaders sheltering in tunnels beneath Gaza.
President Joe Biden, under pressure for mounting deaths of aid workers and civilians under Israeli fire, stressed in a blunt call with Netanyahu on Thursday that an immediate cease-fire was essential, and urged him “to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home,” the White House said.
