Egypt, Qatar, US to Meet in Rome to Revive Gaza Truce Talks

Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators are scheduled to meet with Israeli negotiators in Rome on Sunday in an effort to reach a truce in Gaza.

Egyptian state-linked media reported that the meeting will involve Egyptian, American, and Qatari officials, along with Israel's intelligence chief. 

The truce deal is expected to be linked to the release of hostages held by Gaza resistance in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

US news outlet Axios reported that CIA Director Bill Burns is also expected to participate in the talks in Rome. The truce agreement is said to include an immediate ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the freedom of movement for civilians in the Palestinian territory. Additionally, Egypt is pushing for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt.

Recent mediation efforts have been focused on a framework proposed by US President Joe Biden in late May. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently sought continued US support in a meeting with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. After the meeting, Harris stated that it was time to end the "devastating" conflict and that she would not be "silent" on the suffering in Gaza.

The Gaza war began after Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,197 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.