Talks on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip are expected to resume this week. Several officials say the devastation caused by Israel's nine-month offensive likely helped push Hamas to soften its demands.

Israel and Hamas have revived indirect talks on a ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday evening. Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported that a delegation led by David Barnea,

A senior U.S. administration official hailed “a breakthrough on a critical impasse” as Israel ordered its negotiators to return to the Qatari capital, Doha.