Release of Israeli hostages delayed

Israel has announced that a deal to release dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas has been delayed. A temporary ceasefire which is supposed to come into force with the hostages’ release has also been delayed. Israel says negotiations are continuing with Hamas. It had been expected that 50 of around 240 hostages held in Gaza would be released over four days with a truce taking place at the same time. In return around 150 Palestinian women and teenagers would be released from prison in Israel.