Hostage Release Delayed Until Friday, Israeli Officials Say

Hostage Release to Begin on Friday

The release of hostages held in Gaza will likely not begin until Friday at the earliest, Israeli officials said in a statement on Wednesday night, as negotiators continued to hammer out details of an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see a pause in fighting to allow for groups of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be released.

The statement, issued by the National Security Council through the Israeli prime minister’s office, appeared to rule out the possibility that hostages could be freed on Thursday, as many of their families had hoped.

Under the agreement, the pause in the fighting would begin before any release of hostages and prisoners.

List of Palestinian Prisoners Being Considered for Release

The Israeli government on Wednesday published a list of Palestinian prisoners being considered for release under the truce agreement it reached with Hamas. The list contains 300 names, all people 18 years old and younger or women. It was not immediately known who would be among the 150 to be released.

The list was published to give individuals or groups the opportunity to file objections to the release of any prisoner. All the names on the list were described as "security prisoners," or people arrested in connection with politically motivated crimes.

The offenses listed include supporting terrorism, acts of violence, and throwing stones. Most of those listed had not been convicted on the charges.

Anxious Wait for Families of Hostages

The deal for a hostage release brought both hope and agony on Wednesday to families of captives held in Gaza. Uncertainty over the agreement and which hostages would be released was straining the emotions of relatives who have campaigned for their loved ones' release.

Israel has said that about 240 people were taken hostage to Gaza, and it remained unclear who would be released under the cease-fire deal announced overnight. Cease-fires in previous conflicts between Israel and Hamas have proven fragile.

Challenges Ahead for Freed Hostages

Israeli doctors and psychologists are preparing for the return of around 50 women and children who were among the roughly 240 hostages abducted during terrorist attacks by Hamas more than six weeks ago. Health professionals warned that the journey to healing for the freed hostages will be arduous and must be guided cautiously.

Many of those being released may have no idea of the full magnitude of what happened during their captivity. They may have lost their homes, family members, and friends. Some children were kidnapped after their parents were killed, and being released may separate them from their caretakers who are still being held. The shock of being out in the sunlight after being held underground will also have to be managed.