Israeli soldiers stand guard in Northern Gaza, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, November 22, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

Israel and Hamas agreed early on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and free at least 50 hostages held by militants in the enclave in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel. The starting time of the truce and release of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel has yet to be officially announced. An Egyptian security source said mediators had sought a start time of 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Thursday. 

Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement that “The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday.”

White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson said final logistical details for the release were being worked out.