Gaza mediators, Israeli spy chief to meet in Rome

Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators will meet with Israeli negotiators in Rome Sunday to push for a Gaza truce, Egyptian state-linked media reported, according to AFP. Al-Qahera news, citing an unidentified senior official, said the meeting would include Israel's intelligence chief.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been involved in months of talks to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has lasted over nine months. The proposed truce involves Gaza militants releasing hostages in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.

CIA Director Bill Burns is also expected to join the talks, Axios reports. The official quoted by Al-Qahera news said Egypt demands “an immediate ceasefire” as part of the agreement, which should also “ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza”, and “safeguard the freedom of movement” of civilians. Additionally, Cairo seeks a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah crossing.

The mediation is based on a framework presented by US President Joe Biden in late May.