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House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner (R-OH) has reported a promising update on the Israel-Hamas war, indicating a ceasefire might be on the horizon. Speaking on CBS News “Face the Nation,” Turner conveyed that CIA Director William Burns briefed him last Friday, saying, “we’re close” to finalizing a ceasefire agreement after extensive international negotiations.

“He believes that we’re close, and I think that’s… very, very important to accomplish,” Turner said, pointing out the critical reasons for reaching a ceasefire. These include freeing hostages held by Hamas since the violent outbreak on October 7 and addressing the dire need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. This development follows Israel’s apparent acceptance of a ceasefire and hostage release proposal, suggesting a six-week halt in hostilities and the initiation of significant aid deliveries to Gaza, as per a senior US administration official’s disclosure to The Associated Press.

Turner, reflecting on the negotiations and the potential for a ceasefire, stated, “I think as Director Burns is negotiating, we’re really close to a ceasefire that is going to resolve this issue.” He acknowledged the need for accountability on both sides, adding, “And it’s going to open up the aid corridors and certainly, I think in any conflict, both sides need to be held accountable, and I think certainly there are going to be questions as to what Israel has done and the manner in which it has operated.”

This development follows Israel’s apparent acceptance of a ceasefire and hostage release proposal, suggesting a six-week halt in hostilities and the initiation of significant aid deliveries to Gaza, as per a senior US administration official’s disclosure to The Associated Press.

The conflict has led to a reported 30,000 Palestinian deaths, roughly 1,200 Israeli deaths, and displaced hundreds of thousands. In light of the humanitarian crisis, President Biden has called for Israel to facilitate greater aid access, amid concerns over aid blockages to Palestinians.