JERUSALEM: An Israeli official said on Wednesday that visiting CIA Director Bill Burns and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed “the possibility” of suspending military operations in southern Gaza’s Rafah city in exchange for Hamas freeing hostages, AFP reported.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Burns took place in Jerusalem and focused on Washington’s latest efforts to secure Gaza truce deal. The CIA chief, who has been actively involved in mediation efforts, held talks with Netanyahu regarding the potential for Israel to pause its operation in Rafah in return for the release of hostages, as stated by the Israeli official speaking anonymously to AFP.
Meanwhile, truce talks resumed in Cairo following Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal from mediators Egypt and Qatar. Despite international objections, Israel deployed tanks into Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, which is densely populated with civilians seeking shelter from relentless bombardment.
Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, a crucial entry point for aid into Gaza, further escalating tensions in the region. Talks aimed at agreeing on terms for a truce continued in Cairo with the presence of all sides, as reported by Egyptian state-linked media. Israel’s incursion into eastern Rafah came after Hamas said it had accepted a truce proposal — one Israel said was “very far” from what it negotiators had previously agreed to.
The United States, Israel’s key ally, confirmed its support for the ongoing negotiations. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that efforts were underway to close the remaining gaps between the two sides and achieve a lasting ceasefire. “A close assessment of the two sides’ position suggests they should be able to close… the remaining gaps, so we’re going to continue to support that process.”
Hamas has emphasized the urgency of the negotiations, warning that it could be Israel’s “last chance” to rescue the hostages. However, mediation efforts have faced challenges as Hamas insists on a comprehensive ceasefire while Netanyahu remains committed to neutralizing the group’s forces in Rafah.
Since October 7, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign killing at least 34,844 Palestinian people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
