CIA Director: Hamas Leader Under Pressure to End Gaza Conflict

The CIA has assessed that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, is under increasing pressure from his military commanders to agree to a ceasefire with Israel, according to CIA Director Bill Burns. Speaking at a private conference on Saturday, Burns indicated that while Sinwar is not worried about his own life, he is facing significant pressure due to the extensive suffering in Gaza, as reported by a source at the event.

Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 massacre in Israel, is believed by US intelligence to be hiding in tunnels beneath his birthplace in Khan Younis. He is seen as the key decision-maker for Hamas regarding a ceasefire.

Burns, who has been deeply involved in negotiations as the Biden administration’s lead negotiator, emphasized that both the Israeli government and Hamas need to seize this opportunity, more than nine months into the conflict, to reach a ceasefire. He noted that the internal pressure on Sinwar, particularly from his senior commanders, has intensified in the past two weeks.

Burns delivered these remarks at the annual Allen & Company retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho, an event known for its high-profile attendees including tech moguls, media leaders, and senior government officials.

The CIA declined to comment on Burns’ statements.

This increased pressure on Sinwar coincides with Hamas and Israel agreeing to a framework deal proposed by President Joe Biden at the end of May, which US officials say is the foundation for ending the fighting. Burns had just returned from the Middle East, where he continued to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel’s head of foreign intelligence.

Burns described the current situation as a “fragile possibility” for a ceasefire, noting that the chances are higher now than they have been since a brief truce in November. However, he cautioned that final negotiations are always challenging.

The recent push for a ceasefire follows failed talks in May after a similar effort led by Burns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under domestic pressure to secure a deal that would return hostages held in Gaza. Thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv, demanding that the government prioritize the hostages’ return over military operations.

“There are still gaps to close, but we’re making progress, the trend is positive,” Biden said on Thursday, expressing his determination to finalize the deal and end the war.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Thousands remain missing under rubble, and hundreds of thousands are facing disease, famine, and lack of shelter, according to aid organizations.

Negotiations are further complicated by the difficulty in communicating with Sinwar, who is being actively hunted by Israel. Of the top three Hamas leaders in Gaza, Israel is believed to have killed only Marwan Issa, the second in command. Hamas’s military chief, Mohammed Deif, was targeted in a recent bombing, but it remains unclear if he was killed.

US officials believe Sinwar no longer wishes to rule Gaza and that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to an interim governance plan under which neither would control Gaza post-ceasefire. Qatar has also indicated it would expel Hamas’s political leaders if they do not agree to the plan.

Recent communications from senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, reported by the Associated Press, show they are urging their external counterparts to accept Biden’s ceasefire proposal due to the severe conditions in Gaza.

Hamas has recently softened its stance on requiring a permanent ceasefire as part of any initial agreement, a point of contention in talks with Israel.

Netanyahu insists that any deal must allow Israel to resume military operations until its objectives are met. This could mean an initial pause in fighting, during which hostages would be exchanged, followed by continued negotiations for a permanent ceasefire during the pause.

On the same day as Burns’ remarks, Netanyahu stated at a news conference that he would adhere strictly to Biden’s framework, rejecting Hamas’s 29 proposed changes.

“There are still tough issues to resolve,” a source familiar with the talks told CNN after Burns’ meetings in Doha. Another source echoed this, stating there is “still a long time to go.”