"Hamas Leadership Abroad Blamed for Rejecting Hostage Deal"

Hamas rejects the latest Israeli initiative for a hostage deal, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant blaming the organization's leadership abroad for taking a hardline stance. The proposed deal involves exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a month-long ceasefire, but is held up by differences over how to bring a permanent end to the Gaza war. The US is involved in discussions through special envoy Brett McGurk, while Qatar and Egypt are mediating the potential deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes that the war will only end with the defeat of Hamas, while Qatar criticizes Netanyahu for allegedly undermining the mediation process.