Top Israeli official says Gaza hostages won’t be freed before Friday

A senior Israeli official has said hostages being held in Gaza won’t be freed before Friday

A pause in fighting was expected to begin on Thursday, but an Israeli government source told the BBC it has also been delayed

The Israeli foreign minister earlier said he expected the first hostages to be received on Thursday

Under the planned agreement, 50 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas will be released and 150 Palestinian women and teenagers held in Israeli jails freed

Israel has continued its ground and air operation in Gaza – and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to win “absolute victory” over Hamas

Israel began attacking Gaza after Hamas fighters crossed the border on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 others hostage

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people – including more than 5,000 children – have been killed in Israel’s campaign. (Foreign Agencies)

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