What does the latest hostage release mean for those still held captive in Gaza?

The US and Britain are believed to be privately urging Israel to hold off from any ground invasion while hostage negotiations continue, writes Kim Sengupta, while Qatar and Egypt are said to maintain that progress on further releases is possible

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was held hostage in Gaza after being abducted by Hamas (AP)

The hostages taken by Hamas during their lethal rampage in Israel have become a key factor in how the conflict unfolds, with international powers involved in negotiations over their fate.

The deals being attempted to try and secure their release are likely to have a profound effect on the lives of many more than the 220 people being held in Gaza.

Four of the captives have been freed so far, with health issues given as the reason they were released. But it was thought at one point that almost 50, all dual or foreign nationals, would be released in a group under an agreement brokered by Qatar.