CIA Director William Burns, Israel’s Mossad Director David Barnea, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar are scheduled to meet in Egypt this weekend to continue discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire agreement. This information comes from a source familiar with the talks and an Israeli government official.
The trio previously met last month in Doha with mediators, but no significant breakthrough was made. US officials have acknowledged that progress has been slow and complex.
One of the key points of contention between Hamas and Israel is a proposed three-phased framework. This framework includes the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Another sticking point is the return of displaced Gazans to their homes in northern Gaza. Hamas is advocating for a larger number of individuals to be allowed to return compared to what Israel has proposed.
Hamas is also pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Israeli officials have dismissed these demands as 'delusional' and have reiterated their commitment to eliminating the Hamas group.
Despite ongoing discussions, a comprehensive agreement appears to be distant, with significant gaps still remaining between the two sides. A diplomatic source briefed on the talks indicated that a deal is not imminent.
