Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the military’s bombardment and expected invasion of Gaza, following the release of two American hostages by Hamas. The hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie, were kidnapped during an attack on southern Israel on October 7. Netanyahu stated that although two of the abductees have been released, the fight will continue until victory. Hamas released the hostages as part of Qatari mediation efforts and for humanitarian reasons. Israel has amassed tanks and troops near Gaza for a planned ground invasion. The bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the death of over 4,000 Palestinians and the displacement of over a million people. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged that achieving Israel’s objectives would be challenging. Palestinian media reported heavy Israeli bombardment, including a strike on a house in northern Gaza that killed 19 people. The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City, where Christians and Muslims sought refuge, was also struck. The United Nations humanitarian affairs office stated that nearly a third of all homes in Gaza have been damaged. Western leaders have primarily supported Israel’s campaign against Hamas, while Muslim states have called for an immediate ceasefire.