CIA Director Reveals Growing Pressure on Hamas Leader to End Gaza Conflict

[Social Media]

 

CIA Director Bill Burns disclosed on Saturday that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is under mounting pressure from his own military commanders to agree to a ceasefire and end the ongoing war with Israel. Burns made these comments during a closed-door conference, as revealed by an attendee granted anonymity to discuss the off-the-record event.

 

Sinwar, identified as the key orchestrator of the October 7 massacre in Israel, is reportedly unconcerned with his own mortality but faces increasing scrutiny over the significant suffering in Gaza. According to Burns, US intelligence believes Sinwar is hiding in the tunnels beneath Khan Younis, his birthplace in Gaza, and is the pivotal figure in deciding whether Hamas will accept a ceasefire deal.

 

Burns emphasized the urgency for both the Israeli government and Hamas to seize this critical moment to reach a ceasefire, especially after more than nine months of conflict. He noted that internal pressure on Sinwar has notably intensified over the past two weeks, with senior commanders within Hamas growing weary of the prolonged fighting.

 

The CIA director made these remarks at the annual Allen & Company summer retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho, an exclusive event known for its high-profile guest list, including tech moguls, media titans, and senior government officials. The CIA declined to comment on Burns' statements.

 

The growing pressure on Sinwar coincides with a framework deal between Hamas and Israel that President Joe Biden outlined in late May. This framework serves as the foundation for a potential agreement to end the fighting. Burns, who recently returned from a trip to the Middle East to further negotiations, has been actively engaged in discussions with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel's head of foreign intelligence.

 

During his speech, Burns highlighted a "fragile possibility" for a ceasefire, noting that the chances of an agreement are higher than they have been in months. However, he acknowledged that the final stages of negotiations are always challenging. The previous round of talks collapsed in May, despite a similar flurry of meetings and diplomatic efforts.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under significant domestic pressure to secure a deal that would bring home the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Thousands of Israeli protesters have been regularly demonstrating in Tel Aviv, demanding the government prioritize the return of hostages over continued military operations.

 

"There are still gaps to close, but we’re making progress, the trend is positive," Biden said on Thursday. "I’m determined to get this deal done and bring an end to this war, which should end now."

 

The intricate details of the potential ceasefire agreement and the difficulties in communicating with Sinwar, who remains in hiding, have slowed progress. Of the three most senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, Israel has reportedly found and killed just one: Marwan Issa, the second in command of the military wing. Mohammed Deif, Hamas' military chief, was targeted by Israel in a recent bombing that killed nearly 100 Palestinians, but it remains unclear whether Deif was among the casualties although its highly likely he was.

 

US officials believe Sinwar no longer desires to rule Gaza, and both Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to an "interim governance" plan that excludes either party from controlling Gaza in the second phase of a ceasefire.

 

Credit: CNN 2024-07-17

 

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[thaibeachlovers]

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

CIA Director Bill Burns disclosed on Saturday that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is under mounting pressure from his own military commanders to agree to a ceasefire and end the ongoing war with Israel. Burns made these comments during a closed-door conference, as revealed by an attendee granted anonymity to discuss the off-the-record event.

I find that somewhat hard to believe given netanyahu has apparently promised to hunt down all Hamas even after a ceasefire. I'd expect them to hold on till israel gives them immunity post conflict.

 

Sounds like wishful thinking to me given how would Burns even know that? Does he claim to have a spy in the Hamas HQ?

[connda]

When one side seeks an ethnically pure State for itself?  Conflict will never end. 

[sirineou]

On 7/17/2024 at 3:38 AM, Social Media said:

CIA Director Bill Burns disclosed on Saturday that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is under mounting pressure

Like the pressure on the Hamas leader who was assassinated in Iran? 

By who I wonder? 

[thaibeachlovers]

I've said some time ago that IMO netanyahu does not want a ceasefire. By assassinating the leaders of Hamas, he is getting his wish. Netanyahu is leading the region to a war which will affect everyone given how much trade and oil passes through that region, or doesn't, now that the Houthis are forcing shipping to take the more expensive route. Expect everything to get more expensive.

[thaibeachlovers]

11 hours ago, sirineou said:

Like the pressure on the Hamas leader who was assassinated in Iran? 

By who I wonder? 

Many suspects to choose from, but my guess is countries starting with either U or i.

[thaibeachlovers]

11 hours ago, connda said:

When one side seeks an ethnically pure State for itself?  Conflict will never end. 

Israeli actions are likely leading it to follow a previous ethnically pure State into oblivion, IMO.

Every attrocity causes israel to lose support.

[Skipalongcassidy]

48 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Israeli actions are likely leading it to follow a previous ethnically pure State into oblivion, IMO.

Every attrocity causes israel to lose support.

Atrocities are in the eye of the beholder... why is it ok for the hateful and terorristic muslims to want to and try to kill ALL jews, christians, lbqrt people, and who knows who's next on their list?