The temporary cease-fire between Israel and militant group Hamas is set to start at 7 a.m. (05:00 GMT and 06:00 CET) on Friday, Qatar - the key mediator - has said. Israel's war cabinet approved on Wednesday a four-day cease-fire with Hamas militants in which militants were to release some 50 hostages held in Gaza.
Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, said the first batch of 13 hostages was to be released at 4 p.m. He added a list of civilians to be released has been received.
"Obviously every day will include a number of civilians as agreed to total 50 within the four days," he added.
Qatar, which has been leading mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, expects Palestinians to be released from Israeli jails as part of the deal
The deal would also allow for aid to enter the besieged Gaza Strip as thousands remain displaced and in miserable conditions since the conflict broke out on October 7. Qatar said aid would be "going in as soon as possible."
