Hello. While domestic pressure to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza grows, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his intention to launch an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, just days after Israeli troops withdrew from Khan Younis. Sebastian Usher explains what the next phase of the war might entail. As the Masters golf tournament kicks off in the US, we look at what it takes to be a caddie. Finally, we explore the 18 new Unesco-designated Global Geoparks, and congratulate rangers in the Australian outback who spotted a rare blind mole - so elusive it is not known how many of them exist.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

A withdrawal hinting at what's next

Much of Khan Yunis, including Al-Salam hospital, has been left in ruins after intense fighting. Credit: Getty Images

Israel's announcement on Sunday that troops would withdraw from Khan Younis seemed to signify a major shift in the war. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that a date has been set for an offensive on Rafah, signalling the fighting is far from over.

Is Mr Netanyahu's rhetoric shared by his cabinet?

Defence minister Yoav Gallant has been more nuanced, telling army recruits that now is an "opportune" time to do a deal with Hamas. But he stressed that a ceasefire would not be the end of the war.

How can Israel restore full support from the US, shaken by the killing of aid workers in Gaza last week?

An end to bombardments that have reduced cities to rubble, as seen in the latest images from Khan Younis, may go some way to restoring the customary whole-hearted support for Israel from Washington. But that will undoubtedly be tested again, if "future operations" - for which the Israeli army says troops are being given rest and recuperation to prepare - mean a full-scale assault on Rafah.

Where else might Israel conduct military operations?

Confrontation on Israel's northern front with Hezbollah in Lebanon has been steadily escalating since 7 October. And there are fears that it could become far more intense, following the suspected Israeli strike in Damascus that killed several senior commanders in Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards last week. The Israeli army has recently said that it has substantially strengthened its Northern Command. So, this too may have played a part in the troop withdrawal from Gaza.

• Obstacles to peace: International editor Jeremy Bowen reflects on how the six months of war following the deadly Hamas attack on 7 October have made Israelis and Palestinians even more suspicious of each other.

• Erez crossing and Ashdod port: The amount of aid delivered in Gaza on Monday was higher than average, but Israel has yet to open the promised new routes. Here is what we know so far.

• Arms sale: Germany has said its history is the reason why Israel's security is at the "core" of its foreign policy, as the European country defends a genocide case brought against it at the UN's highest court.

THE BIG PICTURE

Golf caddie, a sporting role like no other

Taneka Mackey (left) saw the possibility of a career that would take her round the world. Credit: Getty Images

Being a caddie is a lot more than simply carrying clubs. It's a unique role that involves being a confidant, coach, walking database, psychiatrist, the furthest inside the ropes and in the midst of the action. For BBC Sport, Alastair Telfer talks to caddies about their careers and ambitions.

And finally... in Australia

The northern marsupial mole, or kakarratul, lives in one of the most remote parts of the Australian outback. Sightings are so rare they occur a few times each decade, so take a good look at the image of the palm-sized creature with silky golden locks and no eyes taken by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Martu rangers - it might be a while before we see another.