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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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

Words matter, but looking back on his time as the head of the world’s most important spy agency, Burns also had numbers on his mind. By his own count, he had made 84 trips overseas during his four years as director of the CIA.

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.