Hamas Divisions Stall Cease-Fire Negotiations and Hostage Deal

Hamas is considering a proposed cease-fire deal for Gaza, which includes prolonged pauses in fighting and swaps of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but insists on a permanent cease-fire and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat. The group's demands put them at odds with the multi-stage proposal put forth by Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and the United States. Mediators are still working to bridge the gaps between the two sides, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken planning to visit the region to push for progress. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, with ongoing fighting in the southern city of Khan Younis and concerns about the humanitarian situation in Rafah.