Hamas delay in Gaza's next hostage release brings fear on all sides for ceasefire

Jerusalem: The Hamas announcement that it will delay the next planned release of Israeli hostages from Gaza has threatened a fragile truce that's seen as having the potential to wind down 16 months of war.

It has brought new dismay for Israelis who watched the latest Hamas handover of hostages in growing horror over the weekend as the three emaciated men came into sight. Of the hostages yet



to be released from Gaza under this phase of the ceasefire, Israel has said eight are dead.

The next handover of three hostages had been scheduled for Saturday, and families say time is running out for those still alive. Israel now awaits what comes from a security Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, moved up in response to Monday's Hamas announcement.