Hamas Responds to Gaza Hostage Proposal in Ongoing Conflict

Hamas has responded to a proposal for the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and a sustained cessation in fighting, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing that the reply is generally positive. The proposal, agreed upon in Paris, calls for a phased release of hostages over a six-week pause, with Qatar serving as a key mediator in negotiations with Hamas. The United States is reviewing the response, and President Joe Biden described it as "a little over the top." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed receiving Hamas' response, but Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive in Gaza until Hamas' leaders have been killed.