'A nightmare' Relatives' pain over slow release of hostages

British relatives of hostages held in Gaza say they feel mentally tortured by Hamas releasing a handful of their captives and the speculation that more could follow.

Ayelet Svatitzky's Israeli mother, Channah Peri, 79, and British brother, Nadav Popplewell, 51, were abducted by Hamas gunmen on 7 October. Her older brother, Roi Popplewell, was among more than 1,400 killed.

Svatitzky is especially fearful for her diabetic mother. Speaking at a news conference at the Israeli. embassy in London, she said: "They are talking about releasing all the foreigners and not releasing Israelis. I believe it is part of the psychological war that Hamas is playing with us." She added: "It's really scary that if my brother is released, my mum will be left without him."

She dismissed reports that up to 50 hostages could be released as "rumours". She said: "We haven't seen those 50 people [come] home yet. For me, it just touches a nerve, a really painful one." No 10 said at least 12 British nationals were killed by Hamas and five are suspected of being among the hostages.

Ofri Bibas Levi is a British-Israeli whose brother, Yarden, 34, was filmed being beaten over the head as he was taken hostage. Video also.

emerged of his wife, Shiri, and their two children, Ariel, who is four, and Kfir, who is nine months, being held by gunmen.