Israel minister says Rafah advance could be delayed for hostage deal

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz held out the prospect of postponing a planned offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah in the event of a hostage agreement with the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia.

"The release of the hostages is our top priority," Katz told Israel's Channel 12 on Saturday. Also citing the minister, the Kan channel reported that Israel was prepared to postpone the military operation if a hostage deal was reached.

Hamas said it is currently examining an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of further hostages.