Israel has called up military reservists to brace for a possible re-eruption of war in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet a Saturday (Feb 15) deadline to free further Israeli hostages and a nearly month-old ceasefire unravels.

Hamas’ threat to delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip has jolted a fragile ceasefire that’s seen as having the potential to wind down the war

After 16 months of excruciating uncertainty, Idit Ohel finally received word this week that her 24-year-old son, a hostage in Gaza, is still alive. Bound by chains in an underground tunnel, Alon Ohel has subsisted on a piece of bread or less each day.