- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the talks had been “constructive.”
Top CIA officials have met Egyptian, Qatari and Israeli intelligence bosses in Paris ahead of a possible ceasefire and hostage deal.
Attendees at the summit included CIA Director William Burns, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and Mossad chief Dadi Barnea.
The bosses of Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security service and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel were also present.
Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the talks had been “constructive” but warned there were still “significant gaps” between the negotiating delegations.
Attendees at the summit included CIA Director William Burns (pictured), Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and Mossad chief Dadi Barnea.
About 136 people are still missing after being kidnapped and held hostage in Gaza following the attack by Hamas on October 7 last year. Protesters are pictured raising national flags and portraits of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza since October 7, during a rally demanding their release outside the private home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Israeli officials, follow-up meetings are planned for this week and Israel’s war cabinet will meet today.
The possible breakthrough comes less than a week after Hamas reportedly rejected a two-month ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages.
The Washington Post reported that US President Joe Biden had sent Burns to try to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.
On Friday, Biden spoke with Qatar’s head of state, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss efforts to free the hostages.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office warned that “significant gaps” still exist between the negotiating delegations
Qatar has played a crucial role in the peace talks after agreeing a seven-day ceasefire and the release of hostages in November.
About 136 people are still missing after being kidnapped and held hostage in Gaza following the attack by Hamas on October 7 last year.
Among them are 19 women and two British-Israeli people.
However, at least 25 of them are believed to be dead.
More than 26,000 Gaza residents, including civilians and soldiers, have been killed by Israel during its military offensive, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said.
