Israel says no ceasefire, hostage release before Friday

The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israel’s national security adviser and the US said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday.

Israel and Hamas reached a deal for a four day pause in fighting and the release of at least 50 hostages held in Gaza – but none will be freed before Friday.

But the expectation had been that the first releases would take place as early as Thursday though The pause in fighting was also delayed until Friday.

For now the US officials have a working list of 10 hostages they believe are likely to be released on day one, until now It is not clear whether any of the three American hostages including 3-year-old Abigail Edan would be among them.

The head of UNICEF said over 100 children have died per day for weeks.

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