as doubts grow about how many are still alive. One family said the hostages were at risk "every day" they continued to be held captive by Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said  there was "uncertainty" over the condition of three of the 24 hostages previously believed to be alive. He was reacting to US President Donald Trump's statement on Tuesday that only 21 of those taken in the Hamas-led attacks were still alive. The BBC spoke to two families - including the brother of a hostage released by Hamas this year - after Israel's security cabinet approved an expanded offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu said ministers had decided on a "forceful operation" to destroy Hamas and rescue the hostages, and that Gaza's 2.1 million population "will be moved, to protect it". One family told the BBC they hoped the troops would only be used to help with the aim of freeing the hostages, not for any other reasons. (BBC)