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Bill Burns, director of the CIA, is expected to meet with officials from Israel, Egypt and Qatar to discuss a deal to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, according to a US official familiar with the plans.
The meetings come amid intensive discussions on the parameters of a new deal that would pair hostages’ release with a cessation in the fighting in Gaza. The meetings are expected to be held in Europe, the official said.
US officials said they remain focused on securing a release of hostages after a leaked recording said to be of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizing Qatar drew anger from the Gulf state.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Deadly shelling: At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after Israeli shelling struck an area near Gaza City where people were awaiting aid delivery, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. At least 25,900 Palestinians have been killed and 64,000 others injured by Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah said Thursday.
