In a joint statement, Qatar and Egypt confirmed that a response from Hamas to the offer for a hostage release and ceasefire deal was received.

The two countries said they “confirm that their joint mediation efforts with the United States of America will continue until an agreement is reached, and that the mediators will examine the response and coordinate with the parties concerned regarding the next steps.”

(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shavuot in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)