Overview

• Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have once again stalled, halting plans for a new prisoner-exchange phase and leaving about 50 hostages in Gaza
• Iair Horn, released in February after 498 days of captivity, has put his own recovery on hold to campaign for his brother Eitan’s release
• Israel’s government announced measures to boost humanitarian aid flows into Gaza, which Horn says can directly improve hostages’ food rations
• Families and former captives estimate that roughly 20 of the remaining hostages are still alive, heightening pressure for resumed talks
• The breakdown of the latest ceasefire negotiations has deepened despair among hostage families who have repeatedly urged leaders to revive dialogue