New tensions between Israel and Hamas are raising doubts about prospects for second phase of ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.

Hamas is set to free six more Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip. The release scheduled for Saturday would also involve freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

By Rami Amichay and Nafisa Eltahir RISHON LEZION, Israel/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israelis mourned the family that symbolised the trauma their country suffered in the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, as the Palestinian militant group agreed to free the last hostage bodies included in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

The deaths highlighted the brutal humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave despite a ceasefire, doctors said.

Three newborn babies froze to death in Gaza overnight, bringing the total number of children that have died from the cold to six in the last two weeks alone.