The Times of Israel reported that a top aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant announcement, stating that the much-awaited release of the first group of 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas as part of a hostage deal would not occur on Thursday as previously announced, but rather on Friday.
National Security Council chairman Tzachi Hanegbi circulated a statement that said the negotiations for the hostages “are constantly progressing” and “the release will begin according to the original agreement between the parties, and not before Friday.”
Haaretz reported citing an Israeli source that the four-day lull in fighting, per the deal, would be on hold and that Israeli military operations in Gaza would continue as long as the agreement is not finalized.
Families who have been held captive by Hamas for nearly 50 days and are eager to see their daughters, sisters, spouses, and children returned are devastated by the delay. According to the plan laid out by Israel’s cabinet, up to 150 Palestinian women and minors would be released in exchange for a four-day ceasefire in fighting and the release of 50 living Israeli hostages, including children, their mothers, and other women in groups of 12–13 people. According to the Times of Israel, it is the first since the continuing conflict began following the attacks on October 7.