Israeli leaders say delay in freeing hostages, no release before Friday

A woman looks at photographs on Wednesday of hostages, mostly Israeli civilians who were abducted during an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, in Ramat Gan, Israe. Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a four-day halt to the devastating war in Gaza, accompanied by the release of dozens of hostages held by the militant group in return for Palestinian prisoners jailed by Israel, mediators said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

The release of hostages from Gaza will not happen before Friday, Israel said Wednesday.

Hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas were progressing and continued into Wednesday, the Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on behalf of Israel National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.

Both sides of the conflict agreed this week to a temporary ceasefire to begin Thursday morning.

The pause in fighting is for humanitarian purposes, including the release of the hostages. It was believed the captives would be released Thursday.

Qatari negotiators helped broker the ceasefire agreement, which is excepted to take effect at 10 a.m. local time Thursday.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas has agreed to release dozens of hostages in tandem with Israel agreeing to release Palestinian prisoners on a 3-to-1 ratio.

Fox News’ Trey Yingst reported Hamas leaders would release one hostage for every three Palestinians that Israel releases from its prisons.