US official says Hamas trying to hide treatment of women hostages

A U.S. official on Monday said that Hamas is likely holding back from releasing further civilian women the group kidnapped from Israel to prevent testimony on sexual violence committed against them. 

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the remarks during a briefing with the press, echoing the administration’s view that Hamas is to blame for ending a pause in fighting with Israel on Friday by refusing to release women and children the group is holding hostage.

“The...