Reports suggest that the Israel-Hamas deal to free Americans in Gaza may be delayed.

John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser, expressed confidence on Thursday morning that a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal can be implemented on Sunday, as families of two Americans await answers.

Kirby informed George Stephanopoulos of a deal, stating their confidence in starting implementation on Sunday. However, some details need to be finalized, and they are currently collaborating with the Israelis to resolve these issues.

He added, "Despite this, we're confident that we'll arrive."

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was creating a last-minute crisis that prevents a settlement, causing confusion over whether a deal had been successfully reached as both the U.S. and Qatar had confirmed on Wednesday.

According to a statement shared by Israeli news agency TPS-IL, Hamas is backing out of the explicit understandings agreed upon with the mediators and Israel in a last-minute blackmail attempt, the speaker claimed.

Hamas has reportedly rebuffed the Israeli government’s accusations.

Netanyahu postponed a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday morning to vote on the deal until "the mediators confirm that Hamas has agreed to all the terms of the agreement."

Kirby stated on MSNBC that the deal was not falling apart, saying, "It's not breaking down."

We are aware of the issues raised by the prime minister and are confident that we will be able to resolve them and move forward.

In the first phase of the agreement, 33 hostages will be released, with priority given to children, women, the elderly, and the sick or wounded. The initial phase will last 42 days, with hostages being incrementally released, including three captives who will be freed on the first day of implementation.

On the first day of the agreement, it is possible that three Israeli female soldiers will be released, according to some reports.

On Wednesday, a senior administration official informed Planet Chronicle and other reporters that two of the three living Americans in Gaza would be released on the first day.

The official stated that Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen will appear on the first day, and Edan will exit Gaza, according to the official.

On the day of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American Israeli who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was among the soldiers who were not scheduled to be released until the second phase of the cease-fire, which would begin on the 43rd day.

The release of the remaining hostages, both dead and alive, will be negotiated on the 16th day of the first phase.

On Oct. 7, 2023, 94 hostages were taken in Gaza, with 62 of them believed to be alive and 36 assessed as deceased. At least 98 hostages continue to be held in Gaza.

"Our commitment is to ensure that all American-Israeli citizens are removed from Gaza, regardless of whether they are alive or dead."