The White House is hopeful that release of hostages can begin early Friday, with its spokeswoman stressing that the deal between Hamas and Israel is “on track”.

The agreement – which includes a four-day pause to fighting – was scheduled to take place 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“The deal was agreed and remains agreed. The parties are working out final logistical details particularly for the first day of implementation,” according to reports quoting the US National Security Council’s spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.

“Our primary objective is to ensure that they are brought home safely. That is on track and we are hopeful that implementation will begin on Friday morning.”

Israel’s national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said late Wednesday that the deal would not take place before Friday but did not explain why.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, citing an Israeli official, had earlier reported that the change in timing was because the
agreement was not signed by Hamas and mediator Qatar, but added that they were optimistic it would be implemented upon signing.