Ceasefire talks thrown into tumult after the discovery of six hostages slain in Gaza

The Saturday discovery of the deaths of six hostages has thrown negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas into tumult, with the White House national security adviser saying that “the next few days will be critical” in the push to free those still held by Hamas.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan, in a virtual meeting Sunday, told the families of Americans held hostage that the administration will “work around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages,” according to a readout of the discussion released by the families.