Mixed Messages Emerge On Hostage Deal & Rafah Assault

Mixed signals continue to emerge with regards the the two major questions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict at present: the likelihood of an Israel-Hamas deal on hostages being reached, and the prospect of Israel launching a ground assault into the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

• On the former, the FT reported overnight that "After weeks of deadlock, Israel had accepted a proposal that sets out an initial six-week pause in the fighting during which Hamas would release 33 hostages, [...]That would be followed by a second phase that calls for “restoring a sustainable calm”..."
• The US is pushing hard for a deal, with President Joe Biden talkingto the leaders of Egypt and Qatar (the two nations closely involved in mediating talks) to advocate Hamas accepting a temporary ceasefire-for-hostages deal, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken does the same on a visit to Jordan.
• However, in a counter to this, Amichai Stein at KAN posted on X earlier ""It's seems that Hamas is still demanding an end to the war in any Hostage deal, and we will not agree to that" - Israeli PM Netanyahu"
• On the latter, despite pressure from the US and EU, Netanyahu continues to talk up the prospect of an IDF ground operation in the city of Rafah. Sky News Arabia reports Netanyahu stating that "The goals of the war have not changed, and the Rafah operation will take place soon." Earlier today, Times of Israel reported that an assault on the city could come in the next 48-72hrs if a deal on hostage releases is not possible.