On Wednesday, November 29th, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a new extension of the truce were disrupted when Hamas claimed, unconfirmed, that a family of Israeli hostages, including a 10-month-old baby, had been killed in an Israeli bombing. The claim came just before the scheduled release of women and children hostages under the truce.
The family, held by militants since October 7, is among the highest-profile civilian hostages. Israel insists on the release of all women and children hostages to extend the ceasefire, due to expire Thursday. So far, 60 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 180 Palestinian detainees. The truce, extended by 48 hours, may be prolonged if Hamas continues releasing hostages. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Gaza as facing an “epic humanitarian catastrophe,” urging a true humanitarian ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the intent to pursue the war against Hamas after the ceasefire lapses. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza but not in the eradication of Hamas.
