Rubio says US did not receive reported Hamas letter on hostage deal

SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (September 23) that the U.S. has not received a reported letter from Hamas regarding a hostage deal.

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Hamas offered a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for releasing half of the hostages, but the US says it hasnt officially received the proposal.
Trump condemned Western recognition of Palestine, saying it rewards Hamas and isolates the US in its support for Israel.
Global criticism of Israel grows, with over 65,000 Palestinians killed and famine reported, while allies push for a two-state solution.

According to Fox News, Hamas sent a letter to U.S. President Trump proposing a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the immediate release of half of the hostages being held in Gaza.

"We haven't seen that letter. I think they gave it to the media or somebody, but they haven't given it to us," Rubio told Fox Channel's "Fox & Friends" Tuesday morning.

Asked about Western powers and U.S. allies, including France, recognizing a Palestinian state, Rubio dismissed their decision as "irrelevant."

Israel has drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, which has caused major destruction and where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. A global hunger monitor says part of the territory is suffering from famine.

France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal are among the countries that have recognized a Palestinian state in the last few days.

Trump told the United Nations on Tuesday that he condemned moves by Western powers to recognize a Palestinian state, as the United States appeared increasingly isolated in its staunch support of ally Israel.