For the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, the deal reached this week between Israel and Hamas offers the first glimmer of hope in weeks that their loved ones may return safely. Just in time for Thanksgiving,

As Israel says troops have entered a key southern Gaz city as part of the expanding war on Hamas, it's facing urgent calls from abroad and from hostages' families to cease fire.

Israel's military bombarded southern Gaza's main city in what it said was the fiercest fighting since it began a ground invasion to eliminate Hamas five weeks ago, while the U.S. again pressed Israel to minimise Palestinian civilian casualties.