The Associated Press reports that a delay nearly ruined not only the Israeli-Palestine cease-fire but also the return of hostages. 

The delay, according to the outlet, came after Hamas accused Israel of violating the terms of the four-day cease-fire.

The cease-fire, according to NBC News, was brokered by the United States and Qatar.

Per the outlet:

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a breakthrough deal to release 50 women and children who were kidnapped and held in Gaza, a potential landmark deal that will also involve a four-day pause in fighting, the delivery of hundreds of aid trucks, and the release of 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails.

Hamas, though, on Saturday, alleged a violation of the ceasefire.

The Associated Press reports:

By nightfall, when hostages had been expected to emerge from Gaza, Hamas alleged that aid deliveries permitted by Israel fell short of what was promised and that not enough was reaching hard-hit northern Gaza. Hamas also said not enough longtime prisoners were freed in the first swap on Friday.

This, according to the outlet, resulted in a "delay that created a tense standoff." But, the situation was resolved. Hamas did end up releasing hostages without violating the cease-fire.

Fox News reports that Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages on Saturday. This was the second group of 13 hostages that Hamas freed. The first took place on Friday, which was the first day of the ceasefire deal.

The Associated Press, reporting on the second group of hostages to be released, writes:

The Israeli hostages included seven children and six women, [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s office announced. Most were from Kibbutz Be’eri, a community Hamas militants ravaged during their Oct. 7 cross-border attack. The children ranged in age from 3 to 16, and the women ranged from 18 to 67.

This all follows the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that Hamas carried out on the Israeli people, killing over 1,200. It is estimated that Hamas, in this attack, took around 240 Israeli civilians hostage. It is reported that Hamas also took as hostages civilians from other countries - including America.

As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas is expected to, in total, release 50 Israeli hostages. There is currently no deal for the remaining hostages. But, Israel has said that the ceasefire could be extended one day for every 10 hostages that Hamas releases.

Israel, as part of the ceasefire agreement, has also been returning hostages that it has taken.

Once the ceasefire is over, Israel is expected to continue its offensive against Hamas.