Talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar on a hostage release deal ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday, as Israel faced mounting pressure to reach an agreement to halt the war in Gaza against Hamas.
The Israeli delegation was on its way back from Cairo, an official in the Prime Minister’s Office told The Times of Israel. They met with CIA director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Egyptian officials for talks on a truce framework.
Another official said that the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad head David Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, was “there to listen,” and that they did not put a new offer on the table.
Despite the Israeli delegation’s departure, the negotiations were “positive” and would continue for three more days, said Egypt’s Al-Qahera News, citing a senior Egyptian official.
Egypt’s state information service also said the meeting ended with “keenness to continue consultation and coordination” on the key issues. Though Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar attended the meeting, the Egyptian statement made no mention of Israel.