CIA Director discusses new peace agreement project regarding Gaza Strip - Axios
CIA Director Bill Burns (photo: Getty Images)
CIA Director Bill Burns discussed a new framework for a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip with his Israeli and Qatari counterparts, reports Axios.
According to three Israeli officials, the agreement involves a 28-day pause in hostilities and the release of approximately eight hostages by Hamas, while Israel would free dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
Specifically, Hamas is expected to release around eight women of various ages or men over 50. In response, Israel would release several dozen Palestinian detainees.
"Israel agrees to a temporary pause, but Hamas wants a pause that would open a process that would lead to irreversible Israeli steps. If neither sides softens its position there isn't going to be a deal," stated a senior Israeli official to the edition.
The plan, however, does not address the key demand from the terrorists that any agreement must include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and an end to the war.
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister stated that the parties discussed new unified frameworks that integrate previous proposals while also considering key issues and recent events in the region.
Axios suggested that reaching a final agreement before the US presidential election on November 5 is unlikely. Israel and Hamas are likely to adjust their positions based on the outcomes of the negotiations.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
At the beginning of October 2023, terrorists from the Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. In the first few days of the conflict, 250 Israeli civilians and military personnel were taken hostage by the militants.
In November of the previous year, Hamas released 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The plan also includes the release of four hostages being held in the Gaza Strip.
In September, Palestinian terrorists killed six hostages due to the approaching Israeli military forces near their location in the Gaza Strip.
