Families of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel and hostages in Gaza will spend another 24 hours in fear if their loved ones will finally be freed.
Their release is part of a ceasefire – expected to last four days – which was agreed by Israel and Hamas early on Wednesday.
But the exchange will not happen until Friday, Israel’s national security adviser and the US said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday.
The deal also includes the deployment of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari said an announcement on the beginning of the truce could come in the next few hours.
Qatar has been mediating in the negotiations on the truce.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued its deadly operation in the Gaza Strip, targeting multiple areas overnight.
Warplanes and artillery hit the southern city of Khan Younis in at least two waves and 15 people were killed.
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Meanwhile, Hollywood celebrities continue to suffer consequences for publicly standing up for Palestinians in the conflict.
