The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners as laid out in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal had been in doubt after crowds in southern Gaza surrounded hostages who were being freed.

Militants in the Gaza Strip released eight hostages on Thursday, handing them over to the Red Cross amid chaotic crowds as part of a swap that is set to see 110 Palestinians released from Israeli

In exchange, Israel was expected to free 110 Palestinian prisoners. But the prime minister’s office said their release was being delayed because of chaos around Thursday’s hostage handover in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed 15 months ago that Israel would achieve “total victory” in the war in Gaza — by eradicating Hamas and freeing all the hostages.

After a delay from the Israeli government earlier on Thursday, the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners has started.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he plans to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that Netanyahu would be traveling to Washington to meet with him.

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump at the White House next week, the US and Israel have confirmed. The Israeli Prime Minister and US President will meet on February 4 amid a fragile six-week ceasefire that has brought a temporary pause to 15 months of fighting between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza.

President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet with him at the White House on Feb. 4

The Israeli prime minister will be the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Mr Trump’s second term in office.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says President Donald Trump has invited him to visit the White House on Feb. 4. This will make Netanyahu the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Trump’s second term.

Mediator Qatar announced that an agreement has been reached to ease the first major crisis of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.