Release of hostages needs ceasefire, Hamas official says

Hamas has conditioned the release of hostages in Gaza to a ceasefire in Israel’s bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, which was launched after a deadly attack on southern Israel. Israel says it is preparing a ground invasion, but has been urged by the US and Arab countries to delay in order to avoid civilian casualties. Two US fighter jets struck weapons and ammunition facilities in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US forces by Iranian-backed militias.