Blinken in Israel seeks cease-fire and hostage deal to avert Rafah move

Hamas is reportedly considering a 40-day ceasefire plan, which would involve exchanging hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. A senior official with the group stated that they aim to reach an end to the war and will deliver their response within a short period. The health ministry in Gaza has been collecting data on casualties from hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent. The United States has also increased pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire, with US top diplomat Antony Blinken set to return to Israel.