Hamas delays second batch of hostage releases in last minute twist
Hamas has delayed the second batch of hostage releases
REUTERS
Hamas has announced it is delaying Saturday's scheduled second round of hostage releases until Israel committed to allowing aid trucks to enter northern Gaza.
Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades said the hostage releases would be delayed if Israel did not adhere to the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
There was no immediate Israeli response to the statement.
Earlier an Israeli military spokesperson had told France's BFM television station that, barring last minute changes, 13 Israeli hostages were expected to be freed.
WATCH: Emotional moment young hostage is reunited with dad
He said 39 Palestinian prisoners would be released in return.
Under the truce deal between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, a total of 50 hostages are to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners, some of them convicted on weapon charges and violent offences, over four days.
The first exchange took place yesterday, with those held being reunited with their families today.
Emotional footage has been shared of the moment the first hostage releases were returned.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The first hostages were released yesterday
REUTERS
The Red Cross helped to facilitate the release
REUTERS
Saturday's setback came just hours after Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing into southern Gaza through which vital aid supplies have resumed, said it had received "positive signals" from all parties over a possible extension of that deal.
Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), said in a statement that Cairo was holding extensive talks with all parties to reach an agreement which would mean "the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails."
Israel has said the ceasefire could be extended if Hamas continues to release hostages at a rate of at least 10 per day.
A Palestinian source has said up to 100 hostages could go free.
Israel and Hamas have said hostilities would resume as soon as the truce ends, although US President Joe Biden said on Friday there was a real chance of extending the truce.