Middle East conflict live updates: Hamas says it is studying cease-fire proposal after negotiators leave Cairo

Hamas is reviewing the latest cease-fire proposal presented by mediators, according to a statement released Tuesday, after negotiators left Cairo and a senior official said talks were “on hold.” Hamas criticized the proposal for not meeting Palestinian demands, but said it would nonetheless study it and respond. Israel’s foreign minister said Monday that the talks were at a “critical point,” and “if matters work out, a large number of hostages will return home and, in stages, everyone.”