Jerusalem (TDI): The much-anticipated truce deal between Israel and Hamas took hold on Sunday, ensuring an initial six-week ceasefire period in the war-torn Palestine.
The exchange of captives was delayed by three hours, but it finally started at 11:15 a.m. local time, raising hopes for long-term peace in the region.
Read More: Hamas-Israel Reach Truce Deal to End Gaza War: Report
A Red Cross convoy arrived in Gaza to receive Israeli hostages. It was not clear how long this process would continue.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted across the territory as Palestinians began returning home.
Israeli officials also named the three hostages that were to be released in return for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
MPR News quoted an Israeli official that Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, will be released later today.
Read More: Hamas Approves Gaza Truce Deal: Reports
On January 15, Hamas and Israel agreed to a truce deal to end the 15-month-long Gaza War.
The development means the deadliest Middle East war that has claimed the lives of nearly 47,000 Palestinians will finally come to an end, thanks to direct mediation from Qatar.
