Israel has announced that the four-day Gaza truce and release of hostages will be delayed until at least Friday, causing a setback in efforts to halt the war with Hamas. The delay is reportedly due to last-minute negotiations regarding which hostages will be released and how. Israel and Hamas had reached a deal on Wednesday, with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States facilitating the agreement. The deal aims to free at least 50 hostages and numerous Palestinian prisoners during the four-day truce, while also providing aid to Gaza’s population of 2.4 million. Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed that the release of hostages would still occur but not on Thursday as initially planned. Another Israeli official stated that the temporary ceasefire would also not begin on Thursday. The truce delay is attributed to discussions about the names of the hostages and the specifics of their release. Talks are ongoing, and Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman expressed optimism, stating that the timing of the pause would be announced soon. Under the agreement, the release would occur in two phases, with 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners being freed initially. If successful, a second phase would see 150 more Palestinian prisoners exchanged for an additional 50 hostages during an extended truce. While the hostages are being moved, Israel’s reconnaissance of Gaza would be temporarily halted. The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the abduction of approximately 240 hostages, with Israel claiming it caused the deaths of around 1,200 people in southern Israel. Hamas has stated that 50 women and children held in Gaza will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Aid deliveries to Gaza are set to increase during the truce, according to EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. However, Israeli officials have emphasized that their campaign to eliminate Hamas will resume once the hostage releases are complete.
