Israel’s military continued its assault on the Gaza Strip Thursday following a delay in a four-day cease-fire intended to secure the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held by the militant group Hamas in exchange for the freedom of some 150 Palestinian prisoners. The cease-fire is now set to begin at 7 a.m. local time on Friday and the release of the first batch of 13 hostages, all women and children, is expected at 4 p.m.

Under the agreement reached in Qatar, at least 50 hostages, many of them children, will be released in return for 150 Palestinian prisoners and a temporary cease-fire. More hostages freed by Hamas will see Israel extend the temporary cease-fire by one day, with a ratio of three Palestinian prisoners for every hostage handed over.

The U.S. citizens who remain unaccounted for are thought to be hostages after Hamas conducted a terror attack on Oct. 7. Families of the hostages are hopeful for their loved ones’ release, although the Israeli military is still carrying out airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza.

In the meantime, Palestinian prisoners’ rights groups are demanding the release of over 200 Palestinian children and around 75 women held in Israeli jails. They are also calling for an end to the war completely. As the clock ticks down to the expected pause in fighting, Israel’s military continues with its mission: To “destroy Hamas.”

Hundreds of trucks are set to carry aid into the Gaza Strip to provide much-needed supplies. The release of hostages and prisoners has yet to be finalized, and the situation remains tense as both sides prepare for the implementation of the temporary cease-fire.