Overview

• The Hamas and Islamic Jihad plan to release three more Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian detainees, following mediation efforts in Egypt.
• Reports of abuse and dire conditions faced by freed hostages, including physical and psychological torture, have shocked the Israeli public.
• Hamas violated the ceasefire by firing a rocket within Gaza, killing a 14-year-old boy, while Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
• Israeli and U.S. leaders have issued ultimatums to Hamas for the release of all hostages, warning of severe military escalation if demands are not met.
• The ceasefire agreement's second phase, which includes further hostage negotiations and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, remains stalled due to political and logistical challenges.