Israel's Herzog proposes truce and hostage exchange with Hamas

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed readiness for another foreign-mediated Gaza truce to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and allow more aid to reach the Palestinian enclave. However, Hamas rejected negotiations over exchanging prisoners during the ongoing Israeli war, although they remain open to initiatives that contribute to ending the aggression and providing relief to the Palestinian people. The US pledged "ironclad" support for Israel, including the provision of critical munitions and defense systems, as Israel continued its bombardment and ground combat in the bloodiest ever Gaza war, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.