In a diplomatic move aimed at addressing the issue of Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, CIA Director Bill Burns was set to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the head of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Reuters, citing information from news website Axios and quoting two officials—one American and one Israeli—reported that the discussions will center around a potential new agreement for the release of the hostages.
Israeli officials emphasize the significance of Director Burns’s continued involvement in the negotiation process, viewing it as crucial to achieving a breakthrough in the ongoing hostage situation. The CIA, however, has refrained from providing comments on Director Burns’s schedule.
The meeting in Warsaw comes just three days after a gathering between the Qatari Prime Minister and Mossad Director David Barnea, during which efforts were made to revive direct talks between Israel and Hamas. Qatar is playing a mediating role in facilitating discussions between the conflicting parties.
The diplomatic engagements in Warsaw signal an intensified push to find a resolution to the protracted issue of Israeli hostages in Gaza, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex regional challenges.