The start of a short-term cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of some hostages held in Gaza, has been delayed until Friday, according to an Israeli official. Israeli National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi stated that the release of hostages will take place according to the original agreement between the two sides. The delay, which was confirmed by a spokesperson for the National Security Council, does not indicate that the deal is in jeopardy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will release 50 hostages over the course of four days, with three Palestinian prisoners being released for every Israeli hostage released by Hamas. President Biden stated that three Americans, including a three-year-old girl, are expected to be among those released by Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the pause in fighting does not mean an end to the war, as Israel aims to eliminate Hamas, secure the release of all hostages, and ensure that there is no threat to Israel from Gaza.

Republican presidential candidates, including Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and Doug Burgum, welcomed the agreement but expressed concerns about the limited number of Israeli hostages being released and the potential for pressure from the Biden administration to negotiate a permanent cease-fire.

President Biden praised the leaders of Qatar and Egypt for their role in brokering the agreement and expressed his commitment to ensuring the release of all American hostages. The campaigns of former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy had not made public statements regarding the hostage release at the time of reporting.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to convene Israel's war cabinet and government to discuss the progress in negotiations for the temporary cease-fire and the release of hostages. The proposed deal, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, involves a limited six-hour pause in fighting for four days and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention centers.

The terms of the agreement have not been officially confirmed by Israel, and Israel's Supreme Court would need to approve any deal involving the release of Palestinian prisoners. Officials, including President Biden, have expressed optimism that an agreement is close. Details of the agreement are still emerging, but a senior Hamas member stated that the group will hand over 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners.

The release of hostages and the short-term cease-fire have been seen as significant steps toward de-escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people. The situation is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.