Release of Israeli hostages delayed due to 'technical reasons': Report

By Said Amouri

JERUSALEM (AA) – Delay in release of the second group of Israeli hostages scheduled to be handed over on Saturday was caused by "technical reasons," an Israeli official said.

The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Israeli Channel 12 that there were "technical reasons" behind the delay in starting the process of releasing Israeli hostages in Gaza.

He said that the second batch would be released later on Saturday and that "everything will be fine."

Earlier on Saturday, Israeli media, including Channel 12 and Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, reported that a dispute between Israel and Hamas led to delay of releasing the second group of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas swapped 24 Israelis and foreigners for 39 Palestinians from Israeli jails on Friday, the first day of a four-day humanitarian pause.

Under the agreement, the hostages will be released in batches over the course of four days and entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave will be allowed.