Israeli security officials addressed the delay in the release of the hostages, stating Saturday that, "Hamas is aware that if the captives are not released by midnight, the IDF will continue the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, so they are trying to control the narrative."
"Hamas played the same games yesterday, altering the travel route and transfer of the captives contrary to the plan," the official added.
According to the officials, "More than 61 aid tracks were transferred to the northern Gaza Strip out of 200 scheduled for the day, including solar and gas."