A US news website reported that CIA Director William Burns is expected to hold talks Friday with Qatar, Egypt and Israel about securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Axios on Wednesday cited a source familiar with the issue and an Israeli official for its report, which said the discussions would be held in Paris.

It said Burns will meet officials from countries mediating the hostage talks.

The report says US President Joe Biden's administration wants a deal before the start of Ramadan, which is around March 10.
It says the administration officials want to ensure there is a temporary ceasefire in place during the Muslim holy month.

Israel's war cabinet member and former defense minister Benny Gantz said on Wednesday that there are early signs of possible progress towards a hostage accord.

But he said if there's no new agreement, the Israeli military is ready to launch a ground offensive in Rafah and would keep fighting during Ramadan.

Israel and Hamas still remain far apart on points such as the duration of a pause in fighting and the number of Palestinian prisoners that would be released in exchange.