The CIA director is expected to meet with officials from Israel, Egypt and Qatar to discuss a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, according to a U.S. official familiar with the plans.
Bill Burns will speak with Israel's Mossad director David Barnea, Egyptian intelligence director Abbas Kamel and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days, the source says.
The trip comes amid intense discussions over a new agreement that would combine the release of hostages with a pause in fighting in Gaza.
The meetings are expected to take place in Europe, the official said.
The CIA declined to comment. The White House, which also declined to confirm Burns' meetings, said Thursday that the ongoing hostage talks were “sober and serious.”
Another senior American official, White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk, was in the region this week to continue discussions on the release of hostages. McGurk visited Cairo and Doha for negotiations.
Egypt and Qatar have acted as key players in mediating with Hamas, including securing a temporary pause and the release of hostages in November.
The Washington Post revealed the details of Burns' trip.
Source: CNN Brasil
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