Israel had delayed their release in protest against the way the eight hostages freed by Hamas were treated as they were handed over to Red Cross staff in Khan Younis. View on euronews

The increasingly theatrical and threatening events have angered Israel and put a cease-fire deal at risk.

Hamas is rushing to reassert control over the territory it has ruled since 2007. Its leaders sound exuberant—at least in public. In private, they are arguing bitterly. The war has deepened a longtime struggle between the group’s political and military leaders and has saddled it with enormous challenges.