Now, as the presumed new Hamas commander in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad holds the fate of the hostages and, to a large extent, the entire Strip in his blood-stained hands. “He was always recognised by our people as one of the more capable commanders,” said Maj Gen Yaakov Amidror, Israel’s former national security adviser.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Food Program said 77 trucks carrying aid were stopped by hungry people who took the food before the trucks were able to reach their destination.

Officials said Hamas was seeking changes on guarantees for a permanent end to war. That has long been the core sticking point with Israel.