Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi says negotiations on hostage release ‘are progressing’; White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson hopeful that deal will go into effect on Friday morning
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A long-awaited hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas won’t take effect before Friday, US and Israeli officials have said, dashing the hopes of families who thought captives may be freed earlier and prolonging the suffering of Palestinians under bombardment in Gaza.
“The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly,” Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement. “The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday.”