Hamas expects US to put pressure on Israel for Gaza ceasefire after hostage release

Hamas said on Tuesday that a “pivotal” meeting with US officials in Doha led to the release of a US-Israeli soldier held captive by the group in Gaza. Spokesman Walid Kilani said that the armed faction now expects Washington to put pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave. “The meeting between Hamas and the Americans was pivotal and marked a turning point,” Mr Kilani said of Sunday’s talks in Doha, offering no further details. He added that “the outcome should compel Israel to accept the terms of a ceasefire”, although he admitted that “things have not yet progressed towards a comprehensive ceasefire”.