CIA Director William J. Burns, the lead US negotiator for a Gaza cease-fire, plans to meet with his Israeli counterpart in Europe to revive stalled talks. Frustration between Hamas, Israel, and mediators led to a pause in negotiations. The disagreement centers on defining a cessation of hostilities and implementing different stages of a cease-fire. The talks in Europe, led by Mr. Burns and Israel's Mossad chief, are crucial for achieving a hostage-for-cease-fire agreement, which is pivotal for further diplomatic efforts and potential postwar arrangements. However, Israeli military operations in Rafah complicate the situation, impacting Hamas's willingness to negotiate. US officials are pushing for mitigating civilian casualties and hope to restart the talks as a notable development.