Israel and U.S. reviewing Hamas response to hostage deal proposal

In a joint news conference in Qatar, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatar’s prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Hamas had responded to a hostage deal proposed weeks ago by Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The framework agreement includes a six-week cessation of hostilities and a phased release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Qatar’s prime minister characterized Hamas’s response as a “positive” development. In Gaza, Israel’s plans to shift its offensive to Rafah have raised fears of devastating consequences for the city in the south.