US, Israeli Intelligence Chiefs to Discuss Gaza Hostage Deal – Sources, Reports Reuters

By Jonathan Landay and Andrew Mills

WASHINGTON/DOHA – Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns, along with Israel’s Mossad head, David Barnea, is set to meet with Qatari officials in the coming days to discuss a potential second hostage agreement related to Gaza. Sources informed that the discussions will take place this weekend in Europe with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also join the talks, as confirmed by another source.

The Biden administration is actively working to secure the release of over 100 hostages still held by Hamas, following the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, significant differences remain in the demands of both parties.

U.S. and Israeli intelligence leaders have engaged with Qatari and Egyptian officials previously, successfully negotiating a temporary ceasefire in November, during which over 100 hostages were released.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby remarked that Burns has been instrumental in the discussions surrounding the hostage deal and efforts to initiate another agreement. Specific inquiries about the meeting were directed to the CIA, which does not typically disclose the director’s travel plans and declined to comment on the reported meeting.

Israel has committed to dismantling Hamas, leading to extensive military operations that have devastated Gaza and resulted in the deaths of at least 25,700 individuals, according to Palestinian health officials.

A source aware of the negotiations noted that Israel has suggested a 60-day cessation of hostilities, during which hostages would be released gradually, starting with women and children, followed by civilian men, female soldiers, and the remains of individuals who died after being captured by Hamas.

This proposal, however, conflicts sharply with Hamas’s latest conditions, raising doubts about the possibility of reaching a compromise. Last week, Hamas suggested concluding the war, with international assurances against future conflicts, along with the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those involved in the October 7 attack.

Israel has consistently opposed a permanent ceasefire, a stance supported by Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Israel rejected Hamas’s terms.

Following the upcoming discussions, Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to visit Washington next week, where he is scheduled to address the Atlantic Council.