An agreement between Hamas and Israel for the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas won’t see anyone freed before Friday, Israel’s national security director said Wednesday.
“The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly,” National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi said.
The deal calls for 150 Palestinians held in Israeli jails to be released. It includes a four-day pause in fighting, which aid groups said should be taken advantage of to help the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The agreement comes after weeks of talks. Israel’s government said Tuesday that the war will continue, and that it still aims to “complete the elimination of Hamas.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that the Red Cross will be allowed to visit hostages during the pause.
“I want to be clear, the war continues, we will continue it until we achieve all its goals,” Netanyahu said Wednesday.
Source: NBC
