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
Suburban High School District 214 gauging public interest in renovations that could cost up to $850M, result in property tax hike

Local High School District 214 Considers Major Renovation Plans Potentially Impacting Property Taxes

A school district in the northwest suburbs is currently seeking public input…
Hamas transfers coffin of dead hostage to Israel, IDF confirms

Hamas Returns Deceased Hostage’s Coffin to Israel, Confirms IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that a coffin containing…
Attempted murder suspect with four prior cases walks free on $9.5K bond after brutal trail attack

Suspect in Attempted Murder, with Four Prior Charges, Released on $9.5K Bond Following Violent Trail Assault

Florida trail attack suspect escorted to sheriff’s cruiser Jacoby Tillman, a 23-year-old…
Patrick Warburton likes to embarrass his family at Disney's 'Soarin'' attraction

Patrick Warburton Playfully Embraces Family Fun at Disney’s ‘Soarin” Attraction

LOS ANGELES — Fans of the iconic “Soarin’” attraction will be thrilled…
Man who planned to shoot up Atlanta's airport is arrested in a terminal following a tip, police say

Swift Police Action Thwarts Potential Atlanta Airport Shooting After Crucial Tip-Off

ATLANTA — A man was apprehended at Atlanta’s bustling airport on Monday…
Group faces loss of Northwestern University student status for refusing mandatory anti-bias training, which mentions Israel

Northwestern University Student Group Risks Derecognition Over Mandatory Anti-Bias Training Dispute Involving Israel Content

In Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University has announced that up to 16 students…
SJSO weighs in on Meta's new safety features for teen accounts

St. Johns Sheriff’s Office Reviews Meta’s Enhanced Safety Tools for Teens

Understanding the latest enhancements to parental controls on teen accounts is crucial,…
Trump threatens Hamas if Gaza ceasefire collapses as JD Vance to visit Israel

Trump Issues Warning to Hamas Amid Gaza Ceasefire Concerns; JD Vance Plans Visit to Israel

In a recent announcement regarding Vice President JD Vance’s upcoming visit to…
Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky is remembered as a leader in the game's online surge

Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Celebrated as a Pioneer in the Online Chess Renaissance

Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent figure in competitive chess who rose to fame…
North Carolina man recounts shooting after Trump banner torn from mother’s yard: 'Some people just snap'

North Carolina Man Reflects on Shooting Incident Over Torn Trump Banner: A Tale of Sudden Anger

A troubling incident in North Carolina has captured attention, as a man…
Colombia’s president muses about getting 'rid of' Trump amid drug feud

Colombian President Contemplates Action Against Trump Amid Ongoing Drug Dispute

WASHINGTON — In a startling interview, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro voiced provocative…
Marcia Carty granted period to improve skills amid complaints

Marcia Carty Given Opportunity to Enhance Skills Following Public Concerns

Marcia Carty’s employment agreement stipulates a 30-day period for her to address…