Diplomatic efforts intensify to contain Israel-Hamas conflict and secure hostage release

CIA Director William Burns is heading to Qatar as part of a multi-country visit to the region, where he will meet with intelligence counterparts and officials to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and facilitate hostage negotiations. The Biden administration has deployed senior officials to prevent the regionalization of the conflict, support humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, and secure the release of hostages. The U.S. estimates there are around 200 hostages, with a focus on securing the release of roughly 50 civilians. Previous attempts at hostage release diplomacy have faltered, but there is hope for diplomatic progress.