The heads of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad are set to meet with Qatari officials to explore the possibilities of a second deal to secure the release of captives in Gaza and establish a temporary truce. The meeting, scheduled to take place in Europe over the weekend, involves CIA Director William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The talks aim to build on previous efforts to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas, with a focus on securing the release of about 130 captives still held by Palestinian armed groups. The Biden administration has been actively engaged in facilitating negotiations for a potential truce and the exchange of captives. The meeting will also include Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, adding another layer to the mediation efforts.
The mediators are expected to address key points of contention, such as the duration of the truce and the number of captives to be released in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. This diplomatic initiative follows previous successful negotiations in November, where Qatar played a pivotal role in securing a weeklong pause in fighting, resulting in the release of over 100 captives.
Qatar, alongside Egypt, has been actively involved in mediating a truce in Gaza and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the region. The current meeting reflects ongoing efforts to navigate complex negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement to quell hostilities.
The Israeli public has received reports suggesting a potential two-month ceasefire, but disagreements persist over crucial elements of any prospective deal. Hamas has consistently emphasized its commitment to a permanent ceasefire and an end to the ongoing conflict as prerequisites for an agreement.
One of the sticking points involves Israel’s proposal for a 60-day pause in the fighting, with phased releases of captives, beginning with civilian women and children. Hamas, on the other hand, has advocated for an immediate end to hostilities, international guarantees against renewed conflict, and the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.
While a permanent ceasefire remains a significant challenge, the upcoming meeting signals a renewed effort to find common ground on other critical issues. It marks a potential breakthrough in a prolonged conflict that has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement, raising hopes for a more comprehensive resolution in the near future.
