Bill Burns to meet Qatari PM to bridge gaps between Hamas, 'Israel'
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Hamas had earlier announced that a ceasefire agreement was possible if the Israeli occupation refrained from imposing new conditions that could hurdle the deal.
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William Burns testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 24, 2011. (AP)
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, CIA Director Bill Burns will meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday in an effort to fill the remaining gaps between the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas.
The source revealed to Reuters that the two would discuss progress toward a Gaza truce and captive release arrangement.
The CIA has declined to comment on the supposed meeting.
Hamas says ceasefire possible if 'Israel' stops adding clauses
Hamas has affirmed the potential to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange agreement, provided that the Israeli occupation refrains from imposing new conditions that could hurdle the agreement.
"Amid the serious and positive discussions taking place in Doha today under the auspices of our Qatari and Egyptian brothers, reaching a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement is possible if the occupation stops introducing new conditions," the movement said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas headed directly to Egypt from the Vatican following an urgent invitation, according to Al Mayadeen's bureau chief in occupied Palestine.
Additionally, informed sources told Reuters that "a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is expected to be finalized in the coming days." The sources added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "on his way to Cairo for talks regarding a Gaza ceasefire." However, Netanyahu's spokesperson denied these claims, stating, "Contrary to the wave of rumors, Netanyahu is not in Cairo."
Pictures shared later on in the day showed the Israeli premier in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights alongside Security Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
Marking the 37th anniversary of its founding, Hamas emphasized its significant efforts to halt aggression and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The movement reiterated its positive and highly responsible approach toward all initiatives aimed at ending hostilities.
Hamas expressed openness to any serious and genuine initiatives to end the aggression and the occupation's crimes against civilians. It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rights, principles, and aspirations of the Palestinian people, including the return of displaced persons, the withdrawal of occupation forces, relief for the population, the reconstruction of what the occupation has destroyed, and achieving a meaningful prisoner exchange deal.
