Israel Notes ‘Significant Gaps’ After Cease-Fire Talks

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says “significant gaps” remain after cease-fire talks with the United States, Qatar and Egypt, but it calls them constructive and says they will continue in the week ahead. It’s a tentative sign of progress on a potential agreement that could see Israel pause military operations against Hamas in exchange for the release of remaining hostages. Meanwhile, the U.S. announced its first military deaths in the region since the war began and blamed Iran-backed militants amid concerns about a wider conflict. Gaza’s 2.3 million people face a deepening humanitarian crisis as the U.N. urges supporters to resume funding its agency helping Palestinians.