Towing the line between diplomat and intelligence agent, Burns's trips to the region are shrouded under a cloak of mystery.

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

Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment discusses whether or not the ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace between Israel and Hamas as well as the role Trump and Biden played in negotiations.

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.

In an exit interview with NPR's , CIA Director William Burns says he still thinks "there's a chance" for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

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

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IDF announces four soldiers killed in northern Gaza • Hamas says Netanyahu has agreed to end the war •Hostage negotiations may conclude before Trump's inauguration | Page 2 of 2

WASHINGTON — Former Texas congressman John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the CIA, vowed to make the agency more muscular while keeping its work apolitical during his nomination hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

Palestinian officials say the war in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 people, as some on both sides of the conflict hope for "help from Donald Trump."

Following Facebook were Homeland Security, Fox News and the CIA, which had favorability ratings of 48%, 46% and 45%, respectively. Making up the middle of the pack were the Supreme Court (45%), NATO (44%), Ukraine (44%), Israel (42%), the Department of Justice (42%), CNN (40%) and the European Union (35%).