The accidental killing of three hostages by Israel’s military has shocked Israelis and is raising new questions about the way Israel is conducting its war against Hamas. Afterward, Israel’s defense minister appeared to announce a shift in strategy, giving the clearest indication to date that Israel may slow down its military operation in Gaza after weeks of pressure.

Patrick Kingsley, Jerusalem bureau chief for The Times, and Hiba Yazbek, a reporter for The Times, discuss Israel’s military campaign and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

Guests: Patrick Kingsley, Jerusalem bureau chief for The Times, and Hiba Yazbek, a reporter for The Times.

Background reading: 

• Israel Says 3 Hostages Bore White Flag Before Being Killed by Troops (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/16/world/middleeast/israel-hostage-killings-gaza.html)
• Israel’s Allies Urge Restraint as Netanyahu Vows ‘Fight to the End’ (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-cease-fire.html)
• U.S. Urges Israel to Do More to Spare Civilians in Gaza and Pushes Hostage Talks (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-war-us.html?searchResultPosition=6)
• What to Know About the Remaining Hostages Taken From Israel (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostages-update.html)

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily (http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily) . Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.