The women hostages were Hamas’ biggest prize, Hamas knows that as the number of living hostages it holds is reduced, it will have less leverage.

This is psychological warfare at its most grotesque. Hamas is testing the limits of the world's patience.

Monday to Sunday is a long time in the Middle East, so much can develop as Israel weighs its response.

Idit Ohel shares the heartbreaking ordeal of her son Alon, a hostage in Gaza, describing his suffering, resilience, and her unwavering hope for his return.

"We must return to war and destroy!" Ben-Gvir wrote on X/Twitter following the announcement.