Cease-fire deal collapse threatens to ignite Middle East conflict 

The apparent collapse of a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal is spurring fears that a major escalation of conflict in the Middle East is around the corner. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to the Middle East this week to push a deal over the finish line, but he left without any major agreement in place and with Israel and Hamas still at odds on major issues. 

The cease-fire negotiations were among the factors apparently holding Iran back from retaliating against...