Second Group of Hostages Released Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Public pressure mounts in Israel for the return of all hostages as humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza.

Despite a delay due to disputes over the terms of the truce, a second group of hostages has been released by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, as part of a four-day ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire has allowed for an increase in aid delivery to Gaza, but the humanitarian crisis continues with shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
Israel has stated that the truce could be extended by an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed, but has also vowed to quickly resume its offensive once it ends.
The war has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and over 13,300 Palestinians, with roughly two thirds being women and minors.
Public pressure is mounting in Israel for the government to prioritize the return of all hostages over resuming military action against Hamas.