Tensions mount as Israel says US allowed Hamas to blindside Israel with revised hostage deal offer

Israel feels “played” by the United States, Qatar and Egypt after Hamas’ surprise announcement that it had accepted a hostage deal proposal on Monday evening, officials told news website Axios on Tuesday. The Israeli government was caught by “complete surprise” by the statement that came just as Israeli troops were about to launch a limited incursion into Rafah, an Israeli source told the Times of Israel.