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The Department of Justice has charged the leader of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death.Attorney General Merrick Garland said that Hamas’ leader and several other top militants are responsible for planning, supporting, and perpetrating the terrorist attack that killed more than 1,200 people, including 40 Americans. Garland emphasized that these charges are part of a broader effort to combat Hamas’ operations.This development comes as pressure mounts for Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire deal.President Joe Biden has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to facilitate a cease-fire.The White House says it is actively working on a new proposal that both sides can agree to. The recent killing of more hostages has increased the urgency to finalize a deal. Thousands of Israeli protesters are pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire and hostage deal.Hanna Siegel, the niece of U.S.-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, expressed her frustration with the Prime Minister.”He is failing. He is failing to bring Israeli citizens home, American citizens home, and I’m devastated, and I’m furious,” Siegel said.The U.S. is collaborating with Egypt and Qatar to end the conflict.”The world cannot afford to wait any longer,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.One significant obstacle is Gaza’s border with Egypt.Netanyahu insists that Israeli forces should remain there to prevent Hamas from smuggling arms.”Netanyahu has turned that into his signature issue,” said Ned Lazarus of George Washington University.However, the U.S. opposes a long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza.”We are opposed to the long-term presence of IDF troops in Gaza. We’ve made clear we’re opposed to the reoccupation of Gaza,” Miller said.The U.K. has also put pressure on Israel by suspending exports of some weapons, citing concerns they may be used to break international law.The U.S. has stated that this decision was made independently by the U.K.”As of now, we have not determined at this point that Israel has violated international humanitarian law,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said.Netanyahu argues that the corridor in southern Gaza allows weapons to flow in, providing “oxygen” for Hamas.However, both Egypt and Hamas deny this claim.