Hamas Delays Hostage Release

Talks over the release of the fourth batch of Israeli hostages by Hamas are facing a delay due to concerns that the proposed list includes separating several children from their mothers, The Times of Israel reported citing an Israeli official.

A total of 13 Israeli hostages are to be freed "tonight" for 39 Palestinian prisoners, in a delayed second exchange agreed as part of a temporary truce in Gaza, mediator Qatar said Saturday.

The armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas said on Saturday that it had decided to delay the second round of hostage releases until Israel is committed to letting aid trucks enter northern Gaza.

Israel and Hamas's negotiations continued overnight, with Israeli officials signaling that a release of hostages from Gaza and pause in fighting would be delayed.

Talks over the release of the fourth batch of Israeli hostages by Hamas are facing a delay due to concerns that the proposed list includes separating several children from their mothers, The Times of Israel reported citing an Israeli official.

A total of 13 Israeli hostages are to be freed "tonight" for 39 Palestinian prisoners, in a delayed second exchange agreed as part of a temporary truce in Gaza, mediator Qatar said Saturday.

The armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas said on Saturday that it had decided to delay the second round of hostage releases until Israel is committed to letting aid trucks enter northern Gaza.

Israel and Hamas's negotiations continued overnight, with Israeli officials signaling that a release of hostages from Gaza and pause in fighting would be delayed.