NEW DELHI: Israel has announced that the anticipated four-day ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza will be postponed, now set to commence no earlier than Friday.

This development delays a significant agreement aimed at pausing the ongoing conflict with Hamas.Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security adviser, confirmed the progress in negotiations regarding the release of at least 50 hostages held by Hamas, but clarified that this would not occur on Thursday as initially planned."The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly," Hanegbi said.

"The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday."Furthermore, another Israeli official indicated that the ceasefire, initially expected to begin on Thursday, would also be delayed.

This postponement is a significant setback for the families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones and for the over two million residents of Gaza hoping for a respite from 47 days of conflict and hardship.Under the intricate deal, Israel and Hamas had agreed to a four-day truce, which included the release of at least 50 hostages captured during the deadly attacks by the Palestinian militant group on October 7.During a press conference in Tel Aviv, alongside war cabinet members, Prime Minister Netanyahu on Wednesday declared that he had directed Israel's Mossad intelligence agency to pursue Hamas leaders “wherever they are”.Netanyahu's statement followed a report by Kan news, suggesting that Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashaal, Hamas leaders, were “euphoric” over the war and expect to continue ruling Gaza after it ends, a Times of Israel report said.Responding to inquiries about whether the ceasefire would extend to actions against Hamas leaders, particularly those abroad, Netanyahu clarified that there was "no such obligation."Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire would be used to prepare for the continuation of the war, ensuring the protection of forces and ongoing intelligence gathering.

He reiterated Israel's objectives: the removal of Hamas, the return of all hostages, and the establishment of a non-threatening governance in Gaza.

He also acknowledged the significant cost of victory, citing the loss of 70 soldiers in the past month.Mossad chief David Barnea, along with Gen Nitzan Alon, reportedly met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to finalize the deal's details.

The names of the hostages to be released will not be disclosed beforehand to prevent false hope among families.The significance of this visit lies in Barnea's role as the primary negotiator representing Israel.

His journey to Qatar underscores the ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues in the agreement, particularly the practical aspects of its implementation and determining the precise timing for the ceasefire to commence.MossadThe Mossad, officially known as the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, is the national intelligence agency of Israel, one of the key players in the global intelligence community.

Established on December 13, 1949, it has evolved into a highly effective and reputed agency, known for its daring covert operations, counterterrorism, and intelligence gathering.Mandate and MissionMossad's primary mandate is to ensure Israel's national security.

This includes intelligence gathering related to external threats, conducting covert operations, and counterterrorism.

Unlike other intelligence agencies that focus on military intelligence, Mossad is more oriented towards foreign intelligence gathering and strategic operations.Organizational StructureThe agency is headed by a Director, appointed by the Prime Minister, with the current director being David Barnea.

The organization is divided into several branches, each specializing in different aspects of intelligence work, such as political espionage, counterterrorism, and cyber intelligence.Notable operationsMossad is renowned for several high-profile operations.

One of the most famous is the capture of Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, in Argentina in 1960, leading to his trial and execution in Israel.

Another notable operation was the Entebbe rescue in 1976, where Mossad agents played a crucial role in rescuing hostages from a hijacked Air France plane in Uganda.Controversies and criticismThe agency has been involved in various controversies, including assassinations and alleged violations of international law.

Its methods and operations are often shrouded in secrecy, leading to criticism and ethical debates.

However, supporters argue that such actions are necessary for the security of Israel in a volatile geopolitical landscape.Technological prowess and cyber intelligenceIn recent years, Mossad has significantly invested in cyber intelligence, becoming a leader in cyber warfare.

This shift reflects the changing nature of global threats and the increasing importance of digital intelligence in national security.Global presence and cooperationMossad operates globally, often working in collaboration with other intelligence agencies, including the CIA and MI6.

This cooperation is crucial in combating international terrorism and dealing with threats that transcend national borders.