The commencement of a short-term cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, facilitating the release of hostages in Gaza, has been postponed until Friday, as confirmed by an Israeli official.
The delay, according to Israeli National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, is due to ongoing negotiations, and the original agreement will be honored.
The release of 50 hostages, predominantly women and children, by Hamas over four days is part of the deal, with three Palestinian prisoners released for each Israeli hostage.
President Biden mentioned three Americans, including a three-year-old, expected to be released.
If the initial release goes as planned, additional phases may follow, and Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the war’s continuation despite the pause.
An operation center in Doha, Qatar, will oversee hostage transfers, involving the International Committee of the Red Cross and aid deliveries to Gaza during the cease-fire.
