Blinken in Tel Aviv for Ceasefire and Hostage Talks

Hamas has rejected the latest US-backed hostage proposal, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of introducing new conditions to prolong the Gaza conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Tel Aviv to push for a Gaza ceasefire deal, expressing cautious optimism despite Hamas's resistance and skepticism about progress. The evolving proposal aims for a three-phase process involving hostage releases and an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, recent Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 24 people in Gaza, including a woman and her six children, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The negotiations continue amid fears of regional escalation, with Iran threatening retaliation against Israel. Despite these challenges, the mediating countries, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, remain committed to bridging gaps and achieving a ceasefire.