CIA director expected to meet with Israeli, Egyptian and Qatari negotiators to push for hostage deal

CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to meet in the coming days with Israel and Egypt’s intelligence chiefs and the Qatari prime minister to discuss a deal to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, according to a US official familiar with the plans, Report informs, citing CNN.

The meetings with Mossad director David Barnea, Egyptian intelligence director Abbas Kamel, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will come amid intensive discussions on the parameters of a new deal that would pair hostages’ release with a cessation in the fighting in Gaza.

The meetings are expected to occur in Europe, the official said. The CIA declined to comment.