Families forced to wait as Israel Hamas truce deal delayed

Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and of Palestinians detained by Israel waited Thursday for at least one more day after a breakthrough four-day truce deal was put on hold.

The delay is the latest blow to the families desperate to see their loved ones return home, and to Gazans praying for an end to 47 days of war and deprivation.

The deal saw Israel and Hamas agree to the truce which could be extended and broadened. It is also intended to provide aid to Gaza's 2.4 million residents struggling to survive with shortages of food, water and fuel.

Instead of a pause, fighting continued on Thursday. Explosions were heard on an AFPTV livecam followed by heavy grey clouds rolling over the territory's north, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

Israel's national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated the phased release of at least 50 hostages in return for 150 Palestinian prisoners would still go ahead but not on Thursday as expected.

Israel's aerial bombardment continued overnight Wednesday-Thursday on targets in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, sending red and yellow fireballs and immense columns of black smoke into the air.

Nations around the world welcomed the deal, with some expressing hope it will lead to a lasting end to the war.