US 'reviewing' Hamas response, urges Israel not to attack Rafah

The United States said Monday it was reviewing a response from Hamas to a ceasefire proposal as it renewed calls on Israel not to attack the packed Gaza city of Rafah.

"I can confirm that Hamas has issued a response. We are reviewing that response now and discussing it with our partners in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

Miller also said that the U.S. opposed Israel's closure of Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera, saying it should be allowed to operate despite any concerns about its coverage.

"We think AL Jazeera ought to be able to operate in Israel, operate in other countries in the region," Miller said, adding that the United States was "quite concerned" about the Israeli move.