Israel-Hamas hostage deal delayed until Friday, Israeli official says

The start of a short-term cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that will allow for the release of some hostages held in Gaza, the release of Palestinians being held by Israel and for more humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip has been delayed until Friday, an Israeli official said.

"The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly. The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday," Israeli National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi said Wednesday in a statement.

The release of hostages, along with a four-day cease-fire, was originally set to begin Thursday morning. A spokesperson for the National Security Council stressed that the delay did not indicate the deal was in peril.