CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore issued a rare joint public statement, urging a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict. The intelligence chiefs emphasized their efforts to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas war and bring home hostages. Burns, who has been actively involved in peace talks, highlighted ongoing negotiations, though no agreement has been reached yet. In their statement, they also addressed global challenges, including Russia’s sabotage in Europe, China’s rising power, and the evolving nature of warfare, urging continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Quick Read
- CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore issued a rare joint public statement calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
- The intelligence heads emphasized their agencies’ efforts to promote restraint and de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Both agencies are working to broker a cease-fire that could halt the suffering of civilians and help bring home hostages.
- The U.S. and U.K. remain strong allies of Israel, but differences emerged as the U.K. suspended some arms exports to Israel.
- Burns and Moore highlighted global threats, including Russian sabotage and China’s growing power, in their opinion piece for the Financial Times.
CIA & MI6 chiefs make joint call for Gaza cease-fire, urge peace in ongoing conflict
NEWSLOOKS- LONDON
In an unprecedented move, the heads of the CIA and MI6 released a joint public statement on Saturday urging for a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict. CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore stressed that their agencies have been working tirelessly to push for restraint and de-escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The intelligence chiefs made their plea in an opinion piece for the Financial Times, where they emphasized the need to end the devastating loss of life in Gaza and bring the hostages held by Hamas home after months of captivity. “A cease-fire could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement,” they wrote, highlighting their behind-the-scenes efforts to bring about peace.
Burns, who has been at the center of high-level talks aimed at brokering a hostage deal and a temporary halt to the fighting, traveled to Egypt in August as part of the U.S. effort. Despite ongoing negotiations, no agreement has been reached, although U.S. officials maintain that a deal is within reach.The joint statement also underscored the strength of the U.S.-U.K. alliance in facing global challenges, including Russia’s influence, China’s rising power, and the constant threat of terrorism. The pair accused Russia of conducting a “reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe and spreading disinformation designed to sow discord.
Burns and Moore also pointed to their agencies’ ability to anticipate threats, citing their early warnings about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which allowed the international community to prepare and rally in support of Ukraine. The article called for continued support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of staying committed to defending the country amid a complex mix of conventional warfare, cyberattacks, and advanced technology in the ongoing conflict.
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