Former chief of staff at the CIA and Pentagon Jeremy Bash explains why separating hostages and releasing them at two different times as outlined in the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is not an ideal agreement.

Former chief of staff at the CIA and Pentagon Jeremy Bash explains why separating hostages and releasing them at two different times as outlined in the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is not an ideal agreement.

As C.I.A. director, William J. Burns was deeply focused on China and Russia when the Middle East conflict plunged him back into his old life.

Israel’s government voted in favour of the truce after the country’s security cabinet, chaired by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreed to the ceasefire and hostage deal earlier on Friday. The vote is believed to have been 24 in favour and eight against early on Saturday morning local time.

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement. I spoke with USA TODAY World Affairs correspondent, Kim Hjelmgaard to learn more. Kim, thank you so much for making some time on this.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched a high-level delegation to Doha to help seal a hostage and cease-fire deal, according to reports.

Washington optimistic on chances of closing agreement to release Israelis held by Hamas before end of Biden's term; Netanyahu huddles with security chiefs to discuss negotiations

Former CIA Station Chief in Moscow Dan Hoffman reacts to the latest developments in the Middle East as Israel and Hamas reach a cease-fire and hostage deal and assesses the impact to the region.

CIA director nominee John Ratcliffe said the agency needs to focus on its mission in the face of growing challenges from China and others during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.

Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was briefed about the progress made in the Israel-Hamas mediation talks by Qatar which has been brokering the deal alongside Egypt and the United States