US, Israel, Egypt, Qatar officials hold talks in Paris for Gaza ceasefire

Paris: Officials from the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, including the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), were engaged in discussions in Paris on Sunday to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza.

French authorities were also involved in negotiations with these four countries to broker a halt to hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the besieged territory. reported AFP.

The CIA chief, William Burns, met counterparts from Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, along with Qatar's prime minister, as part of efforts to negotiate the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a ceasefire. US-led negotiators reportedly developed a draft agreement, with discussions scheduled to take place in Paris.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Qatar's emir on Friday to discuss efforts to free the hostages. However, the White House cautioned that "imminent developments" were unlikely. Qatar has played a crucial role in the talks, having previously brokered a hostage release deal in November.

Hamas's attack on Israel in October resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians. Militants seized around 250 hostages, and Israel reports that about 132 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 deceased captives. Israel's military offensive in response has led to at least 26,422 deaths, mostly civilians, in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.