Cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects U.S. optimism over a cease-fire deal with Hamas, citing red lines and blaming Hamas for wanting Israel out of Gaza. Negotiations have been complicated by hostage killings and hard-line stances. Families of American hostages urge White House to consider unilateral deal. Netanyahu insists on maintaining military presence in Philadelphi corridor. Deal remains elusive due to disagreements over prisoner exchange and troop redeployment.