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.

While the United States tries to spy on one of the hardest targets, Burns has also tried to reopen a dialogue with Beijing, including via his counterpart, Chen Yixin, the security minister. (The head of the China Mission Center, a career CIA officer fluent in Mandarin, accompanied Burns on one of his trips to Beijing.)

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

All hell will break out” in the Middle East, Donald Trump said, if the remaining hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza are not released by his inauguration.

White House officials on Monday expressed cautious optimism that a deal to pause 15 months of grinding war in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of Israeli and other foreign hostages held by Hamas could be struck in the final week of President Joe Biden’s term in office.

After prolonged negotiations mediated by representatives from both the Biden and Trump administrations, a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas. The truce involves the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel,

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Saturday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, in what was described as a “surprise visit” to discuss the multilateral negotiations with Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

And is probably still at it. As newly released classified documents confirm activists’ long-held suspicions, the disclosures should also alert us to current dangers.

Hamas has reportedly accepted a draft ceasefire agreement and the release of dozens of hostages, with an Israeli official saying the details are being finalised. Hamas said negotiations had ...

Netanyahu thanks Biden, Trump for truce help Rubio, Bondi head for easy confirmations Ex-lobbyists among Trump’s team Californians grapple with fire insurance Gaza ceasefire:

A growing force of firefighters and equipment moved into the Los Angeles area Monday as another round of powerful winds threatened to trigger new wildfires.