The idea of a two-month truce has been discussed since the collapse of the last shortlived ceasefire in March. A similar proposal was floated in May, but Hamas viewed it as an enabling mechanism for Israel to continue the war after a brief pause, rather than reaching a permanent peace deal.

COLOMBIA CRISIS: The U.S. recalled interim chargé d’affaires JOHN McNAMARA from the embassy in Bogotá amid a major diplomatic row with Colombia, the State Department announced today, the latest blow to the bilateral relationship since Trump took office.