Jerusalem (Web Desk/Agencies): The first three Israeli hostages were released under a long-awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
They were transferred to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Sunday, according to both Hamas officials and the Israeli military.
The three hostages, all women, were handed over to the Red Cross in preparation for their return to Israel.
The ceasefire had been delayed for hours, starting nearly three hours later than planned. During the delay, Israel's military continued operations, while Gaza’s civil defense reported 19 people killed and 25 others injured in airstrikes.
After the truce officially began, the United Nations (UN) reported that the first trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza.
Many displaced Palestinians, exhausted from the war, began traveling back to their home areas, despite the destruction.
Thousands of people, carrying personal belongings, tents, and clothes, walked through the Gaza Strip, headed to their homes.
In Jabalia, a northern area, hundreds of people were seen walking down a dusty path, returning to a scene of devastation.
Aid workers highlighted the severe shortages in northern Gaza, where people lack basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The first trucks bringing in aid followed a large effort to prepare for the delivery of supplies across the region.
The ceasefire, initially set to start at 8:30 AM, was delayed due to a disagreement over the list of hostages to be released. Once the issue was resolved, Qatar confirmed the truce was in place.
The Israeli military confirmed that the three women hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and would soon be transferred back to Israel. The three women were identified as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher.
Hamas also expected the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners on the first day of the truce. These prisoners were to be released in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages.
The ceasefire is part of a broader agreement that aims to end the conflict, though the second phase of the deal is still under discussion. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States (US) played key roles in brokering the truce after lengthy negotiations.
In a televised speech on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to the ceasefire as temporary and confirmed Israel’s readiness to return to fighting if necessary, with the backing of the US.
Meanwhile, celebrations began in Gaza City as people waved Palestinian flags in the streets before the truce was even officially in place.
In Israel, the ceasefire was met with cautious hope. Israel had set up reception centers to assist freed hostages with medical care and counseling before they reunited with their families. Health professionals warned that the hostages would face significant psychological challenges after their release.
Egypt's foreign minister announced that 600 trucks would enter Gaza daily, including 50 carrying fuel, to assist in rebuilding efforts.
This ceasefire came after a brief truce in November 2023, which also led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
The deal was struck just ahead of Donald Trump’s second term inauguration as US president.
Trump, who had pushed for the ceasefire, mentioned that the war needed to end but emphasized that necessary actions should still be taken.
Under the agreement, Israeli forces will pull back from densely populated Gaza areas, and displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return home.
