Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan
Israeli ministers discussed a Gaza truce proposal to free hostages held by Hamas and the possibility of an army sweep in the southern tip of the enclave. Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on a ceasefire offer presented by Egyptian mediators. One hostage, Dror Or, was confirmed killed in a Hamas attack, with his body held in Gaza. Ceasefire efforts in the past have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war. Israel is considering a push into Rafah, the last bastion of Hamas, which is home to around one million displaced Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the lack of a plan for the safe evacuation of civilians from Rafah.