Cease-fire set to expire; hostages’ fate uncertain

The cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas is set to expire on Saturday, with negotiations for a second phase still uncertain. During the truce, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, but both sides have accused each other of violations. Twenty-eight Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, including Edan Alexander from New Jersey. The second phase aims to negotiate their release in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and to determine future governance, but both sides have conflicting positions. The U.S. and other mediators are working to extend the cease-fire or negotiate a new agreement. If no agreement is reached, fighting could resume immediately on March 2.