The CIA director discussed a new peace agreement initiative for the Gaza Strip, according to Axios.
The CIA Director William Burns discussed with his Israeli and Qatari counterparts a new formulation of the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Axios.
According to three Israeli officials, the agreement includes a 28-day pause in hostilities and the release of around 8 hostages by HAMAS, while Israel would release dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
Specifically, the militants are expected to free approximately 8 women of various ages or men over the age of 50. In return, Israel will release several dozen Palestinian prisoners from its jails.
"Israel agrees to a temporary pause, but HAMAS wants a pause that will initiate a process leading to irreversible steps by Israel. If neither side softens its position, there will be no agreement," a senior Israeli official told the publication.
However, the plan does not address the key demand of the terrorists that any agreement must include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and an end to the war.
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister stated that the parties discussed "new unified frameworks, integrating previous proposals while also addressing key issues and recent developments in the region."
Axios speculated that it is unlikely a final agreement will be reached before the U.S. presidential elections on November 5. Israel and HAMAS will likely adjust their positions based on the results of the negotiations.
Negotiations for Ending the War in the Gaza Strip
In early October 2023, the Palestinian terrorist group HAMAS attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. In the first days of the conflict, 250 Israeli civilians and military personnel were taken captive by the militants.
In November of last year, HAMAS released 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed a temporary ceasefire between Israel and HAMAS. The plan also includes the release of four hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, in September, Palestinian terrorists killed six hostages due to the approach of Israeli military forces to their location in the Gaza Strip.