After 16 months of excruciating uncertainty, Idit Ohel finally received word this week that her 24-year-old son, a hostage in Gaza, is still alive. Bound by chains in an underground tunnel, Alon Ohel has subsisted on a piece of bread or less each day.

The Hamas announcement that it will delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from Gaza has threatened a fragile truce that’s seen as having the potential to wind down 16 months of war.

A dispute over humanitarian aid has led to concerns that the cease-fire could falter before the remaining hostages are released.