The anticipated release of hostages in the temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants is set to be delayed until Friday, according to Israel’s national security adviser. This announcement has dashed the hopes of relatives who were expecting some hostages to be freed on Thursday.
The official starting time for the truce and the subsequent release of hostages, captured by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel, has not been formally declared. An Egyptian security source indicated that mediators were aiming for a start time of 10 a.m. on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza lasting at least four days. The purpose of the ceasefire is to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and secure the release of at least 50 hostages held by militants in exchange for approximately 150 Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israel.
Here are the latest developments:
- The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 14,500 since October 7, with around 1,200 casualties reported in Israel from Hamas’s attacks.
- Israel persists in conducting deadly air attacks and intense shelling across the Palestinian enclave, and the commencement of the expected four-day pause in hostilities remains uncertain.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated a warning that the war will persist, pledging to bring all Israeli captives home.
- The UN humanitarian chief expresses optimism that the truce could evolve into a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
- US President Joe Biden held talks with the leaders of Egypt, Israel, and Qatar on Wednesday, marking his first publicly announced discussions with them since the announcement of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
- Biden emphasizes that, ‘under no circumstances,’ the US will allow the forced relocation of Palestinians or the redrawing of Gaza borders.
- Former US diplomat Stuart Seldowitz has been arrested and faces multiple charges following a viral video showing him harassing a halal cart vendor in New York.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his appreciation for the temporary truce deal recently brokered between Israel and Hamas.
However, he underscored that while this step is important, it falls short of what’s truly necessary. Guterres, through his spokesperson, emphasized his persistent advocacy for a humanitarian ceasefire in besieged Gaza.
“I welcome the agreement between Israel and Hamas as a significant stride forward, yet there remains much unfinished work,” stated the UN chief in a message relayed during the routine noon briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Guterres has been advocating for an indefinite ceasefire on humanitarian grounds for weeks, aligning with the stance of most of the international community.
However, this proposition has faced opposition from Israel and its ally, the United States, who argue that such a ceasefire could lead to Hamas rearming.
“The secretary-general continues to push for a ceasefire,” affirmed Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq in response to inquiries.
