CIA chief signals possible deal on Gaza hostages as Trump inauguration nears

The White House is hopeful that a deal to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, who are currently held in "hellish" conditions, can be finalized before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, according to CIA Director William Burns. 

Burns said in an interview with US media on January 10 that negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the US and its regional allies, are "quite serious" and may be concluded "within the next couple of weeks", Caliber.Az reports citing the Jerusalem Post.

"I do think there remains a chance to get a deal," Burns stated. "This administration worked very hard on this right up until January 20. The coordination with the incoming administration on this issue has been good. President-elect Trump has made it clear that he is committed to securing a deal before he takes office."

Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, previously warned, "If the hostages are not back by the time I'm in office, all hell will break out in the Middle East, and it will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone."

Burns noted that while differences between Israel and Hamas on their demands have narrowed, the ceasefire negotiations are about more than just military terms. "It’s about human beings," he said. "It’s about hostages held in hellish conditions in tunnels beneath Gaza. It’s about their families, whom I meet regularly, and whose bravery and determination I deeply admire."

He also acknowledged the severe suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, particularly during the ongoing winter.

Burns’ interview comes amidst ongoing hostage negotiations, which are reportedly progressing slowly. A source familiar with the situation told The Jerusalem Post that no consensus has been reached, preventing Mossad Director David Barnea from travelling to Qatar.

Burns emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, saying, "There’s every reason for political leaders to recognize that enough is enough. Perfect is rarely on the menu in the Middle East. It’s time to make a deal."

Reuters reported earlier this week that Hamas had released a list of 34 hostages for potential exchange. However, the Prime Minister’s Office in Israel denied these claims, stating that they had not received any list from Hamas, and that they are unaware of which hostages are alive or their current conditions.

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby also commented on the situation, noting that Hamas is "making it difficult," which is why the hostage deal has not been finalized. He confirmed that the White House is "working really, really hard" to resolve the issue.

In addition to the hostage situation, Burns discussed the recent strategic setbacks for Iran. "Its strategic position has suffered considerably over the last six or seven months," he said, citing failed missile strikes against Israel, the collapse of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the weakening of Hamas in Gaza. Burns added that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria further weakened Iran's position.

He also mentioned that while Iran could reverse its 2003 decision to suspend its weapons program, the US has not seen any indication that Iran has made such a move. "We obviously watch it intently," he added, noting that Iran’s weakened position could provide an opportunity for serious negotiations.

By Tamilla Hasanova