Israeli hostage deal ‘on course’ after Hamas delay prompts crisis

Qatari mediators say releases to continue as Israel accused of blocking aid convoys

The Gaza ceasefire deal was plunged into crisis on Saturday after Hamas delayed a second hostage release and accused Israel of violating the truce agreement by blocking aid from reaching the northern part of the strip and flying drones in the south.

But late on Saturday Qatari negotiators claimed that the deal was back on course and that 13 Israeli hostages would be transferred in exchange for 39 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Seven other civilians, probably citizens of other countries working in the area, would also be released.