US is ‘hopeful’ for a truce in Gaza as Netanyahu says ‘total victory’ is the only option

WASHINGTON (JTA) — Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would achieve a “total victory” in its war against Hamas as Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he is “hopeful” that the sides are nearing an extended truce.

Blinken’s comments came while Hamas said it was considering Israel’s latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire, which would include an exchange of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian security prisoners.

Hamas has called for a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all of the estimated 6,000 Palestinian…