The leaders of the CIA and MI6 have issued a rare joint statement urging a ceasefire in Gaza.
CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore stressed their agencies’ ongoing efforts through intelligence channels to promote restraint and de-escalation.
In a Financial Times opinion piece, Burns and Moore underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. They argued that such an agreement could alleviate the severe suffering of Palestinian civilians and aid in the release of hostages who have been held for nearly a year.
Burns has been actively engaged in peace efforts, including recent high-level talks in Egypt aimed at negotiating a temporary halt to hostilities and securing a hostage deal.
Although these discussions have not yet produced an agreement, US officials are hopeful for a resolution in the near future.
President Joe Biden has suggested that only a few issues remain, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled claims of a breakthrough as inaccurate.
The US and UK, both staunch allies of Israel, have recently demonstrated differing approaches. The UK has suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over possible breaches of international law, while the US has maintained a closer alignment with Israel’s stance.
In their statement, Burns and Moore also addressed other significant global threats, including Russia’s “reckless campaign of sabotage” in Europe and its use of technology to spread disinformation.
They highlighted Russia’s attempts to influence American elections and the broader geopolitical tensions with China and ongoing international terrorism.
