US weighs unilateral deal with Hamas for release of American captives in Gaza

White House officials are reportedly discussing a unilateral deal with Hamas to release five American captives in Gaza, potentially facilitated by Qatari mediators, should Israel fail to reach a captive exchange agreement.

In a critical development in efforts to halt the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood announced that Israel has accepted a US-proposed three-phase deal aimed at ending hostilities with Hamas militant group.

“This proposal is the best opportunity we have right now, to bring at least a temporary halt to this fighting to be able to get more assistance in, get hostages released, and all the other things are included in the proposal. So we want to work hard to get that done," Wood said and added that it is Hamas that needs to accept the ceasefire deal.

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Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists targeted 20 Barclays branches in England and Scotland and called for divestment from Israel’s weapons trade.

Some branches were vandalised and their windows were broken.

Escalation on multiple fronts

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack on the headquarters of the 210th Golan Division at the Nafah base in the occupied Golan Heights of Syria.

The Lebanese armed group reported “confirmed casualties” and damage to the headquarters while asserting that a squadron of drones was used in the attack.

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Amid the celebrations of hostage release, accusations of mass killings by Israeli forces have also emerged during a major operation to free four Israeli captives.

Qassam Brigades' ambush

Hamas' Qassam Brigades reported ambushing an Israeli force in a residential building reportedly resulted in casualties and the destruction of the building.

“Immediately upon the arrival of the rescue force, our [fighters] destroyed the vicinity of the house that was blown up with mortar shells,” Qassam Brigades said in a Telegram post.

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Moreover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is currently in Cairo for talks with Egypt’s president, has urged regional leaders to urge Hamas into agreeing to the ceasefire proposal.

In a notable political development in Israel, Benny Gantz has resigned from the government.

Gantz, who had proposed a six-point plan for Gaza's administration, stated he would leave the cabinet if the plan was not adopted

(With inputs from agencies)