"Hamas Denies Having 40 Israeli Hostages for Cease-Fire Deal"

Hamas has informed negotiators that it does not have 40 Israeli hostages to release as part of a proposed cease-fire deal with Israel, raising questions about the status of the remaining hostages kidnapped on Oct. 7. The Biden administration is pushing for a temporary cease-fire contingent on the release of hostages, but Hamas's admission has complicated negotiations. The U.S. is also urging Israel to empower its negotiators to reach a deal, while expressing frustration over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Talks are ongoing in Cairo, with Egypt and Qatar mediating, but it remains unclear how Hamas's inability to release the hostages will impact the negotiations.