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In a significant diplomatic development, the Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, and the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, are scheduled to meet Qatari officials in the coming days for discussions on a potential second hostage deal related to Gaza. As per the sources familiar with the matter, the high-stakes meeting will take place in Europe this weekend and will also include the participation of Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, along with Abbas Kamel, the intelligence chief of Egypt.
The talks are a follow-up to a previous agreement brokered with Qatari mediation that led to the release of Israeli citizens held in Gaza. The success of that negotiation has paved the way for renewed discussions on a second potential deal, which is predicted to be a topic of intense deliberation during the upcoming meeting.
While the specifics of the potential Gaza hostage deal remain confidential, the involvement of high-ranking intelligence officials from the United States, Israel, and Egypt highlights the gravity of the situation. The administration of Biden has been trying to release more than 100 remaining hostages securely. The participation of Qatari officials signifies the Gulf nation’s continued role as a mediator in regional conflicts, leveraging its diplomatic influence to facilitate dialogue and negotiations.
The White House national security spokesman John Kirby told the reporters “Burns has been involved in helping us with the hostage deal that was in place and trying to help us pursue another one.” The involvement of Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel adds a layer of regional engagement, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
As first reported by The Washington Post newspaper, the CIA has a policy of not disclosing the travel of the director and that is the reason why comments on the meeting have been declined. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. It is expected that Qatar’s al–Thani will be in Washington next week.