| Talks for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas have paused — in part because of the ongoing fighting in Rafah, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. Hamas is still willing to negotiate a deal but has largely stepped back from the table because of Israel's operation in the city, the people said. Both were granted anonymity to speak freely about the hostage talks. The people stressed that this is does not mean talks have broken down completely. U.S. personnel are remaining in Doha to keep tabs on the situation and to continue to touch base with all parties, they said. Read the latest
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