CIA Director William Burns addressed the issue of hostages today, expressing optimism about a deal being crafted over the past few days.
Burns is currently in London, consulting with the British intelligence community at a Financial Times event. During a press conference, Burns stated, “We will continue to push as hard as we can, together with our mediator partners, towards a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is the only solution—there is no alternative.” Burns expressed hope that the talks would soon yield results, adding, “It’s a matter of political will,” hinting at both Israel and Hamas.
“I can’t say how close we are right now,” Burns remarked. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied these claims, Burns mentioned that “90%” of the agreement text had been approved by both Israel and Hamas. “The last 10% remains the hardest for obvious reasons—it’s the most difficult part,” he said.
The American proposal is expected to suggest a limited Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and withdrawal from populated areas. Another point of contention is the release of prisoners in the initial stage of the deal.
This is not the first time Burns has addressed the issue in the past 24 hours. In a joint article with MI6 Chief Richard Moore, Burns stated that his organization is working “tirelessly” to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas. “Our agencies are utilizing secret channels to strongly push for restraint and to prevent escalation,” Burns wrote in the joint statement, which appeared in the British newspaper *Financial Times*.
MI6 Director Richard Moore also spoke, adding that he believes Iran is still planning to “avenge the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh,” who was killed in Tehran about a month and a half ago. “In our assessment, we won’t be able to calm the situation in Iran until they take their revenge,” Moore said.
