CIA Director William Burns Hosts High-Stakes Talks in Rome

CIA Director William Burns will meet in Rome this weekend with Israeli and Egyptian counterparts and Qatar's prime minister to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas. The meeting aims to finalize a truce to end over nine months of conflict.

CIA Director William Burns will convene with Israeli and Egyptian intelligence heads and Qatar's prime minister in Rome this weekend to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, a well-placed source confirmed on Friday.

The confidential source revealed that Burns will engage with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with the intelligence leaders of Egypt and Israel on Sunday. The CIA has refrained from making any public comments on the meeting.

The gathering, initially reported by Axios, coincides with Israel's push for amendments to a truce arrangement with Hamas. The modifications have further complicated efforts to secure a final deal to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza, as cited by officials from the West, Palestine, and Egypt.

(With inputs from agencies.)