Israel’s still pushing for a temporary deal that would include the release of half of the hostages still held in Gaza.

Omer looks different now, after spending 505 days in captivity in Gaza. His brown hair is cropped shorter than the floppy waves that fell across his forehead back in 2023 – an image familiar to Israelis from posters demanding the return of the hostages who had been kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7th attacks.

A deal being hammered out with Hamas would see 10 men released out of 20 believed to be alive, and the decision about who should be freed is creating deep despair.

Army widens ground assault in north Gaza hours after PM leaves White House without hostage talks breakthrough; IDF chief says fighting will create 'conditions to advance a deal'