Israel to U.S.: Rafah action required as Hamas refusing hostage deal

Israeli military action in Rafah is required due to Hamas' refusals of mediated proposals for a Gaza truce under which the Palestinian Islamist group would free some hostages, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement on Monday.

The statement said Gallant relayed that message in an overnight conversation with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. (Writing by Dan Williams)