"Progress towards Gaza cease-fire and hostage release expected on Friday"

The temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which was expected to begin on Thursday, has been delayed for at least a day. The reason for the delay is unclear, but it is said to be technical rather than substantive. Talks are ongoing in Qatar to determine a new date and time for the implementation of the agreement. The deal calls for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and the provision of essential supplies to Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not been made aware of any agreement regarding visits to the hostages, as mentioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The delicate nature of the agreement is highlighted by the arrest of the director of Gaza's largest hospital, who is accused by Israel of using the facility as a Hamas command center.