Overview

• Hamas’s Kassam Brigades say the Israeli abductees have been spread across several Gaza neighborhoods.
• The group declares that no hostage will be returned to Israel and invokes the unresolved case of Ron Arad as a warning.
• Hamas warns of thousands of ambushes and explosives and says Gaza will become a cemetery for Israeli soldiers.
• Israel launched a new ground operation in Gaza City this week, saying its objectives are to dismantle Hamas and secure remaining hostage releases.
• Israeli sources report 48 hostages remain in Gaza, about 20 believed alive including German citizens, as families fear Hamas may use them as human shields and media report captives were moved from tunnels into houses and tents.