Officials are waiting for the group’s response to a proposal with U.S. and Israeli backing for a halt to fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages held there.
“The time is now,” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken declared, urging Hamas to accept the terms of a proposed truce. He also made clear that he expected more from Israel.
“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” the Israeli premier told relatives of hostages on Tuesday.