"Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages, Biden Open to Cease-Fire Talks"

Hamas has released two more hostages, bringing the total number of freed captives to four, as the US urges Israel to delay its ground invasion of Gaza to allow for continued negotiations that could lead to the release of dozens of dual-citizenship captives. The newly released hostages, two Israeli women, were transported out of Gaza and into Egypt. President Joe Biden welcomed their release and emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to flow into the region. Meanwhile, the US has sent additional troops and weaponry to the Middle East to deter Iran and Hezbollah from escalating the conflict. Former President Barack Obama expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself while urging a strategy that minimizes civilian casualties. Israeli military officials shared videos of Hamas fighters' brutality during the Oct. 7 rampage, and British intelligence concluded that the explosion at a Gaza hospital was likely caused by a misfired missile from within Palestinian territory. The Biden administration expects the war to expand and warns of potential attacks on US personnel in the region.