For the first time, CIA Director William Burns and MI6 head Richard Moore appeared publicly together at a Financial Times event in London. The two intelligence leaders discussed the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting their countries’ collaborative efforts.
Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
Burns, who is leading U.S. negotiations to end the conflict in Gaza, announced that a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be presented in the coming days. He emphasized that the negotiations, involving Egypt and Qatar, are working on creative solutions to achieve a ceasefire that satisfies both parties.
“We are finalizing a more detailed proposal, and we’ll see how it is received,” Burns stated. He also expressed hope that political leaders on both sides would recognize the importance of making tough compromises to achieve peace.
The Gaza war has seen heavy casualties, with Hamas’ attack on Israel killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in nearly 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.
Joint Support for Ukraine
In addition to Gaza, the two spy chiefs also highlighted their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Burns and Moore reiterated the importance of “staying the course” in backing Ukraine.
Moore praised Ukraine’s offensive into the Russian-held Kursk region, calling it a “bold move,” while Burns acknowledged it as a “tactical achievement.” However, Burns cautioned that there was no indication of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s weakening grip on power.
Both leaders stressed the need for ongoing international cooperation to ensure the success of these critical global efforts.
