Second group of hostages held by Hamas released following delay

The second round of hostages that were held captive in Gaza by Hamas were released on Saturday after a long delay. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals were released, according to CBS News. 

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they had been freed in a statement Saturday night, saying that "after undergoing an initial medical assessment" the hostages "will continue to be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families."

Seven Israeli children from ages 3 to 16 and six Israeli women from ages 18 to 67 were released, according to reports. 

Earlier today, Hamas announced that it would delay the release of the hostages unless Israel allowed aid to northern Gaza.

Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades alleged that Israel did not adhere to the agreed upon terms regarding the release of the Palestinian prisoners. 

CBS News reports that an IDF spokesperson told French television channel BFM that Israel has respected the original agreement.

On Friday, Israel released 39 former Palestinian prisoners into the West Bank as part of the hostage deal negotiated with Hamas alongside the temporary ceasefire.

This exchange was the first in what is reported to be the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. In exchange, Hamas promised to release a total of 50 hostages back to Israel.