CIA, Mossad Chiefs Meet Qatari PM To Discuss ‘Extension’ In Gaza Truce

Web Desk — The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel’s Mossad chiefs met the Prime Minister of Qatar in Doha on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of an extension of a truce between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, a source briefed on the visit said.

The meeting was aimed at building on the progress of the extended humanitarian pause agreement and to initiate further discussions about the next phase of a ceasefire deal, the source told Reuters.

Egyptian officials were also part of the talks but the meeting’s outcome was unclear, the source added.

A US official said on condition of anonymity that CIA Director William Burns was in Doha for meetings on the Israel-Hamas conflict including discussions on hostages.

Officials discussed possible parameters of a fresh truce deal including Hamas releasing hostages who are men or military personnel, not just women and children, the source said. They also considered the possibility of reaching a ceasefire that lasts more than a handful of days.

Several political leaders of Hamas are based in Qatar and have been leading negotiations between the Palestinian group and Israel.