This is what they were talking about when Netunyahu kept banging on about how Hamas should be supported by Zionists. And what the hostage who was released was alluding to with 'sacrificial lambs'. They've been waiting for an opportunity like this where they get a justification to do some light genocide in Gaza.

Likely one of the reasons that Hamas are trickling out hostages as well, Israel wants them to be martyrs for the cause. Living people are harder to use as puppets.