No captive release will begin before Friday, says Israeli national security adviser

Israel's national security adviser said the release of captives under the temporary truce between Hamas and Israel will not happen before Friday.

Israel and Hamas had agreed early on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and free at least 50 captives held by Hamas and armed Palestinian groups in the enclave in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel.

"The negotiations on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly," Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement released by the prime minister's office.

"The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday," it said.