Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — CIA Director Bill Burns will meet with Israel’s Mossad director, David Barnea, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani this weekend in Europe to try to further negotiations to secure the release of hostages being held in Gaza.

A diplomat with knowledge of the matter confirmed the upcoming meeting to NBC News, first reported by The Washington Post. Further details on the location of the meeting were unclear.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby referred reporters to the CIA when asked about Burns’ activities, noting the director has been involved in trying to reach another hostage deal. Kirby also said that Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is currently in the region to try to spur some movement on the matter.

More than 130 people are believed to remain captive in Gaza, most likely hidden underground in tunnels or held in private homes.

Israeli officials have said in recent days that Hamas is demanding a permanent halt of fighting, a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including some who carried out the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The terrorist group outlined those terms in a statement Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, rejected Hamas’ demands last weekend.

Speaking to Israeli soldiers at a military base near Gaza on Thursday, Netanyahu said, “Total victory means eliminating Hamas and returning all of our hostages — we will not give in on this goal,” according to the Israeli government.

This month, Israel and Hamas struck a deal that allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid and medicine to civilians in Gaza in exchange for medication being provided to hostages still held captive.

During their Oct. 7 attack, Hamas killed about 1,200 people and about 240 people were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. More than 1.7 million people have been displaced in Gaza.

As part of a truce in November, more than 100 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. In early December, however, the cease-fire ended, with Israel and the United States saying Hamas broke the terms of the agreement and sent rockets into Israel.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
California university students' third attempt to form TPUSA chapter denied

California Students Face Setback in Effort to Launch TPUSA Chapter

Students at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego have faced another…
Rapper Akon briefly ‘Locked Up’ in Georgia on bench warrant

Rapper Akon Temporarily Detained in Georgia Due to Bench Warrant

Akon, the rapper famous for “Locked Up,” was momentarily detained in Georgia…
Venezuela mobilizes troops, weapons in response to US warship buildup in Caribbean

Venezuela Boosts Military Presence Amid Rising Tensions with US Naval Forces in Caribbean Waters

Venezuela has initiated a military buildup, deploying troops and gathering weapons in…
'A great injustice': 2017 homicide of Jacksonville mom linked to suspect in Anheuser-Busch killing

Unraveling Injustice: Jacksonville Mom’s 2017 Homicide Tied to Suspect in Anheuser-Busch Murder

The daughter of Autumn Van Camp has come forward to share her…
Grandmother allegedly kills 5-year-old grandson while driving impaired in family driveway

Tragic Incident: Grandmother Accused of Fatally Striking Grandson in Driveway While Under the Influence

A tragic incident unfolded in Slidell, Louisiana, leading to the arrest of…
DHS: Chicago crime drops sharply after federal operation targeting criminal illegal immigrants

Chicago Crime Rates Plummet Following Federal Crackdown on Criminal Illegal Immigrants, Reports DHS

After facing substantial criticism, a prolonged federal law enforcement initiative in Chicago…
Fannie Mae ethics team gutted as they investigated FHFA head Pulte

Fannie Mae Ethics Team Significantly Reduced Amid Investigation into FHFA Chief Pulte

A recent report suggests that the anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures…
US Catholic bishops select conservative culture warrior OC Archbishop Paul Coakley to lead them during Trump's second term

Conservative Shift: OC Archbishop Paul Coakley Elected to Lead US Catholic Bishops Amid Trump’s Second Term

BALTIMORE — In a pivotal decision, U.S. Catholic bishops have elected Archbishop…
NYC Council speaker candidate Crystal Hudson took real estate cash despite pledge

NYC Council Candidate Crystal Hudson Faces Scrutiny for Accepting Real Estate Contributions Despite Pledge

Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, a prominent contender in the upcoming City Council…
Matching family pajamas: 12 Christmas and holiday options for everyone in the family, including pets

12 Festive Family Pajama Sets: Perfect Holiday Picks for Everyone, Including Pets

As part of various affiliate marketing programs, Localish may earn commissions on…
Unredacted Epstein Emails: Trump’s Virginia Giuffre Link Surfaces

Unsealed Epstein Emails Reveal Connection Between Trump and Virginia Giuffre

A new series of bombshell emails obtained by the Daily Mail has…
Major Chinese bridge collapses into river just months after opening to traffic

Shocking Collapse: Newly Opened Chinese Bridge Crumbles into River—What Went Wrong?

A significant bridge at a hydropower station in Southwest China collapsed on…