Communication blackout hits Gaza again as Netanyahu links ceasefire to release of hostages

A Palestinian telecommunications company reported that communications and internet services have been completely cut off in Gaza once again.

After US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Iraq and stated that a humanitarian pause might make it more likely that hostages would be released.

Speaking to the media in the capital of Iraq, Baghdad Blinken claimed that he and the Iraqi leader had a very thorough and productive conversation. He also mentioned that the US is making great efforts to stop the violence from escalating past Gaza.

He stated that the goal was to bring the captives back from Gaza, and he added that a humanitarian pause might make it more likely that the hostages would be repatriated.