Paris, France – Negotiations to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza are set to resume next week, with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States participating in the talks. Sources close to the matter have indicated that progress has been made, with ongoing contacts and collaboration with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to advance the negotiation process.

CIA Director William Burns recently traveled to Paris as part of efforts to revive the stalled hostage talks. The families of the hostages in Israel have been urging the government to reach a diplomatic agreement with Hamas to bring their loved ones home after nearly eight months of captivity, with approximately 120 hostages still believed to be held, including five U.S. citizens. Hamas has been pushing for a lasting cease-fire in Gaza.

Previous negotiations in Cairo earlier this year ended without significant progress, but optimism remains that differences between Israel and Hamas can be overcome. The U.S. delegation, led by Burns, has been in contact with Israeli national intelligence agency chief David Barnea. Progress was reported following a meeting in Paris involving Burns, Barnea, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During a commencement address at West Point, President Joe Biden emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy to secure an immediate cease-fire to bring the hostages home. The White House announced discussions between Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on new initiatives to secure the hostages’ release and establish a cease-fire in Gaza.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also engaged in discussions with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz on efforts to achieve a cease-fire and prevent the conflict from escalating further. The conflict in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack in October, resulting in casualties and captives on both sides. Additional details surrounding the ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts have yet to be disclosed.