CIA Director Bill Burns held a meeting in Warsaw with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency to discuss the possibility of a new deal aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Burns had played a key role in brokering a previous deal that led to the release of over 100 hostages last month, including several Americans. However, the current situation is more challenging, as Israel’s military operation in Gaza is ongoing, and Hamas is seeking a ceasefire before negotiations can resume. This meeting followed discussions between the Qatari prime minister and Mossad director David Barnea in another European capital to facilitate indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar.
Best Coverage: https://www.axios.com/2023/12/18/israel-hamas-hostages-cia-mossad-negotiations
