Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal, Qatari leader 'optimistic'

Hamas has responded to the latest proposal from Qatar and the United States about a possible ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel, officials from both countries announced on Tuesday.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Hamas’s response during a press conference in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday following a meeting but provided few details on what the response included. The deal had been submitted to the terrorist group more than a week ago.