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CIA Director William Burns is in Qatar to participate in critical discussions concerning Israel’s conflict with Hamas and the sensitive issue of hostages.

Burns is joined by David Barnea, head of Israel’s Mossad, and officials from Egypt, who also play a mediator’s role in these talks. These high-level meetings, initially reported by The Washington Post, aim to extend the recently established truce between Israel and Hamas. Under the current ceasefire, Hamas has released several hostages, primarily women and children, captured during an attack in southern Israel on October 7.

Burns is reportedly pushing for broader negotiations, seeking the inclusion of men and military personnel in the release and advocating for a more prolonged ceasefire.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby highlighted the truce’s extension, anticipating the release of 20 more hostages. He emphasized the US approach of tackling one issue at a time, with further extensions contingent on Hamas’s continued cooperation in releasing hostages.