Benjamin Netanyahu backs US ceasefire proposal for the first time

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has publicly backed a US plan for a ceasefire with Hamas.

The so-called “bridging proposal” includes conditions for the return of hostages but it is not clear whether it allows Israel to maintain control of the Philadelphi corridor, a buffer zone separating Gaza from Egypt.

Following a three-hour meeting on Monday with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, Mr Netanyahu approved the latest US proposal for the first time, saying it had met Israel’s security needs.

Hamas has so far rejected the deal as it continues to push for stronger guarantees that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza.