special
Tug of War
CNN reporters take us on-the-ground in Israel to document the escalating conflict and what it means for the rest of the world.

For weeks, Thomas Hand has been pushing for the release of his daughter Emily from Hamas captivity after initially being told she was killed during the October 7th terror attack. On Saturday, Emily was part of a group released from Gaza and finally reunited with her father. In this episode, Thomas speaks to CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward about the conditions Emily faced, her long road to recovery, and why he feels guilty about not being able to help her more.
Nov 28, 2023
Qatar has announced that an agreement has been reached to extend the Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza by two additional days. Dozens of Israelis and foreign nationals who were held hostage have been released by Hamas in recent days. In return, Israel has released more than one hundred Palestinian prisoners, and more aid has been allowed into a devastated Gaza. In this episode, CNN Anchor Kaitlan Collins lays out the challenges that remain and takes us inside the agonizing wait for the hundreds of families awaiting word about their loved ones.
Nov 27, 2023
As Israel’s military continues its operation in northern Gaza, civilians have fled south and continue to struggle with the lack of basic necessities. At the same time, Israel has failed to clearly outline a postwar plan for the territory beyond retaliating for the October 7th Hamas terror attacks. In this episode, CNN Chief Global Affairs correspondent Matthew Chance explains what he’s learned from Israeli officials and examines why any chance of achieving a two-state solution seems very far off at this point.
Nov 22, 2023
Israel says more than 240 people are being held hostage inside Gaza after being abducted on October 7th. For weeks, negotiators have been working behind the scenes on a deal that could allow for the release of dozens of them in exchange for a short pause in the fighting, according to two sources familiar with the talks. In this episode, CNN Chief National Security Correspondent Alex Marquardt tells us what sticking points remain and examines how the Biden administration is balancing diplomacy with political pushback over how it’s handled the war.
Nov 20, 2023
Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions of war.
Thousands of Palestinians have been urged to flee to southern Gaza as Israeli troops continue their ground operation against Hamas. One Palestinian journalist, Rami Abu Jamous, filmed his family’s journey from Gaza City with his phone in one hand and his two-year old in the other. CNN’s Jomana Karadsheh walks us through Jamous’ dangerous on-foot trek to the Al-Shifa hospital, as Israeli drones ring in the background and neighbors cry out for deceased loved ones.
Nov 17, 2023
Early Wednesday morning, Israel’s military announced it launched a “targeted” operation against Hamas inside Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital. Hamas and hospital officials deny Israel’s claims that Hamas is operating a command center under the complex. Meanwhile, international outrage is growing as conditions inside the hospital deteriorate. In this episode, CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson tells us what we know about the operation and what he saw on a recent trip inside Gaza with the IDF.
Nov 15, 2023
As fighting continues to rage on the streets of Gaza, hospitals have been pushed to the brink. At the Al-Shifa hospital, doctors say premature babies have been wrapped in foil and placed next to hot water after oxygen supplies ran out. Meanwhile, Israel claims that Hamas is using hospitals as cover for terror operations – something doctors and the militant group deny. In this episode, CNN’s Nada Bashir tells us how medical facilities are coping and why safe evacuation is all but impossible.
Nov 13, 2023
As settler violence escalates in the occupied West Bank, Palestinians are being killed or forced from their homes, reshaping the demographics of the Palestinian territories. In this episode, CNN's Nada Bashir tells us how Israeli military operations are stoking further fears and examines how a similar model of security oversight could work for Gaza after the Israeli ground operation concludes.
Nov 10, 2023
It’s been one month since Hamas’ attack on Israel killed 1,400 people and Israel launched its military offensive in response. As the war rages on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. Hamas-controlled health officials say more than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. UN officials and multiple countries are demanding a ceasefire to end the civilian suffering, but many Israelis can’t seem to understand why. In this episode, CNN’s Ivana Kottasová tells us why there’s a growing frustration in Israel and where Jewish Israelis are placing the blame.
Nov 8, 2023
The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza says more than 10,000 people have been killed in the enclave since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Now, Israel's military says it is advancing toward Gaza City after its forces cut the enclave into two. Over the weekend, CNN got rare access to the frontlines in Gaza to witness a limited window into the fighting. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond tells us about his embed with the IDF and what the next phase of ground operation means for civilians remaining in Gaza City. Editor’s Note: CNN has removed a mention and audio from Hassan Eslayeh, a freelance journalist with whom the network has severed ties.
Nov 6, 2023