Israeli forces have withdrawn to buffer zones inside Gaza, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza and hundreds of trucks of aid entered daily until Israel cut off supplies to the territory's 2 million people two weeks ago. Hamas is believed to be holding 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others.

Israel's defense minister has ordered the military to take additional parts of the Gaza Strip, and vowed to hold them until Hamas releases the remaining hostages it holds.

Hamas offers to release American-Israeli Edan Alexander if Israel agrees to further ceasefire talks. Israel sees it as "psychological warfare," maintaining blockade and temporary ceasefire. Mediation by the U.