Israel intensifies fighting with neighboring Lebanon's Shiite group Hezbollah. Negotiations are continuing between Israel and Hamas over a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages.
There is a wide difference in opinion over how many Palestinians held in Israeli prisons should be released in response to a release of one hostage. With the prospects for a cessation. of fighting in the Gaza Strip uncertain, tensions are rising as fighting between. Israel and Hezbollah, which shows solidarity with Hamas, is intensifying.