The heads of two intelligence agencies, William Burns from the CIA and David Barniot from Mossad, played a crucial role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas, according to The Washington Post.
A diplomat from an Arab country explained to the publication that the United States exerted pressure on Israel to reach an agreement.
The newspaper also highlighted the role of Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in the negotiation process. The article stated that the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas became possible thanks to Doha’s mediation.
The involvement of US President Joe Biden in the ceasefire conditions was emphasized in the article. It was mentioned that during his negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden raised the issue of hostage exchange.
On November 22, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and the release of some hostages. The first stage of the deal includes a four-day ceasefire and the exchange of 50 prisoners held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additional releases may occur in the second stage. For every 10 hostages released, the ceasefire will be extended by one day. Hamas has also pledged to release two Russian hostages immediately after the cessation of hostilities.
Earlier, reports from Europe highlighted Israel’s violations during the siege of Gaza.
