There has been a delay in the expected release of some 50 Israeli hostages. The deal is still being finalised in Qatar, where senior Hamas leadership is based. A high-ranking member of Israel's Mossad secret service is there talking to Hamas. The deal, as publicised thus far, involves 50 hostages being swapped for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Described as terrorists by Israel, they are mainly women and youngsters aged between 16 and 18. The hostages to be freed are also women and children.
The air strikes and the ground offensive mounted by Israel against Hamas have continued this Thursday. The word from Israel is that the exchange will not happen before Friday. In the meantime, the families of the hostages wait. Their campaign has kept the plight of their loved ones in the headlines.
So what are the sticking points? And will this be the pattern going forward? There are perhaps a further 190 hostages left after the first 50 set for release.
Produced by Charles Wente, Juliette Laurain and Louise Guibert.
