The armed wing of Hamas has issued a statement claiming they will delay the expected second round of hostage releases until Israel commits 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.
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.
It comes as at least eight trucks carrying fuel and cooking gas were allowed into Gaza this morning, the Israeli ministry overseeing negotiation with the Palestinians has reported.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported this morning that 196 trucks crossed into the Gaza Strip through yesterday.
Gaza cease-fire enters second day with more hostages to be exchanged and critical supplies delivered