Ceasefire Talks in Cairo: US Pushes for Agreement Amid Rising Tensions

The White House announced that ceasefire talks in Cairo between the US, Israel, and Hamas have been constructive and will continue over the weekend. CIA Director William Burns and senior adviser Brett McGurk are leading the US side. Diplomatic efforts have intensified to avoid a broader regional conflict.

The White House announced on Friday that the ongoing ceasefire talks in Cairo involving the US, Israel, and Hamas have been productive and will resume over the weekend. These discussions aim to forge a lasting agreement amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The negotiations, led by CIA Director William Burns and senior adviser Brett McGurk, began on Thursday despite significant disagreements between Israel and Hamas over control of strategic areas in Gaza. 'There has been progress made,' said White House national security spokesman John Kirby, adding that momentum exists among US, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators.

Amid heightened fears of a regional war following the targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, the ceasefire talks have gained urgency. Meanwhile, President Biden remains cautiously optimistic but underscored that both Israel and Hamas must make compromises to finalize the deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)