LONDON — The leaders of American and British intelligence agencies have issued a crucial joint statement expressing their commitment to achieving a cease-fire in Gaza amid ongoing conflicts. CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore emphasized the importance of their collaboration, stating they are “working ceaselessly” to halt the violence.
In a public expression of unity, Burns and Moore highlighted their agencies’ efforts to leverage intelligence channels to advocate for restraint and de-escalation. They articulated the humanitarian necessity of a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, underscoring that such measures could alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians and secure the release of hostages held for nearly a year.
Burns has been active in diplomatic initiatives to bring an end to the hostilities, having visited Egypt for high-stakes discussions aimed at negotiating a hostage agreement and achieving a temporary cessation of the conflict. American officials maintain that a resolution is imminent, while President Biden noted that only a few unresolved issues stand in the way of a potential deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has dismissed claims of a breakthrough as “exactly inaccurate.”
The U.S. and the U.K. have historically supported Israel; however, the United Kingdom recently diverged by suspending some arms exports over concerns of potential breaches of international law.
Burns and Moore further reflected on the enduring strength of the trans-Atlantic alliance, which faces unprecedented global challenges, including assertive actions from Russia, growing power from China, and ongoing threats from international terrorism, all further complicated by rapid technological advancement.
They condemned Russia’s “reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe and criticized the manipulation of technology to spread misinformation aimed at sowing discord. U.S. officials have long accused Russia of electoral interference, and recent actions include the seizure of Kremlin-controlled websites and charges against Russian media employees for covert operations to disseminate pro-Kremlin narratives ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
This marked the first joint opinion piece from the heads of the two organizations, signifying a shift towards greater transparency within the intelligence community. The leaders noted their previous success in declassifying intelligence about Russia’s invasion plans prior to the February 2022 attack on Ukraine, which allowed the international community to respond more effectively.
Two and a half years into the ongoing conflict, the intelligence chiefs asserted that continued support for Ukraine is essential. They described the war as a unique blend of conventional arms, rapidly evolving drone and satellite technologies, cyber warfare, and large-scale information operations.
“This conflict has demonstrated that technology, utilized alongside extraordinary courage and traditional weaponry, can significantly influence military outcomes,” they stated, commending Ukraine’s resilience and innovative spirit.
