CIA Director Bill Burns is set to return to Cairo on Tuesday for further discussions as part of ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, according to a source familiar with the meetings. The negotiations in Cairo are primarily at the working level, with Burns expected to engage with various delegations but not participate directly in the main talks. Both Israel and Qatar have confirmed their participation by sending teams to the discussions.
A spokesperson from the Qatari foreign ministry characterized the talks in Cairo as 'indirect negotiations between the two parties,' as Israel is not anticipated to engage directly with Hamas officials. Burns had previously visited Cairo before heading to Doha over the weekend for additional discussions on the potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza. During his time in Doha, he collaborated with Qatari officials to refine the framework of the proposal, which was subsequently presented to Hamas and responded to on Monday.
However, Israel has expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the proposal, stating that they fall short of meeting its demands. The Israeli government has cautioned that it will proceed with its military operations in Gaza despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
