US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns and his Israeli counterpart will meet Qatari officials in coming days for talks on a second potential Gaza hostage deal, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
Burns and the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, will meet Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Europe this weekend, one official briefed on the meeting told Reuters.
Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also take part, the second source said.
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Tuk-tuk campaign in Bangkok calls for release of Gaza hostages
Tuk-tuk campaign in Bangkok calls for release of Gaza hostages
The CIA, which has a policy of not disclosing the director’s travel, declined to comment on the meeting, first reported by The Washington Post newspaper.
US ally Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, unleashing a torrent of strikes that have flattened most of Gaza and killed at least 25,700 people, Palestinian health officials say.
Israeli tanks batter Gaza hospitals, displaced set to flee
Israeli tanks batter Gaza hospitals, displaced set to flee
Hamas on Thursday said it would abide by any possible ruling by the International Court of Justice calling for a ceasefire as long as Israel reciprocates.
The Biden administration has long said it backs a temporary pause in the fighting, which could also allow in more humanitarian aid, but that it does not back a ceasefire.
Following the planned weekend talks, Qatar’s Thani is expected to be in Washington next week. On Monday, he will speak at the Atlantic Council, according to the think tank’s website.