Israel estimates that 59 hostages are still held in Gaza with at least 22 of them alive. They are expected to be set free in a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, which would require Israel to fully withdraw its forces from Gaza and end the war permanently.

Hamas threatened to kill hostages if there is "any escalation" of attacks from Israel against "our people," a Hamas military spokesman said in a statement Thursday.

The threat of joint US-Israeli military action against Hamas is on the table if the terrorist organization refuses to free all remaining hostages held captive in Gaza — with President Trump saying “somebody” with have to match Hamas’ ruthlessness.