January 20,Kathmandu. Israelis and Palestinians are cheering as the Gaza ceasefire comes into effect. Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas released three hostages. The Israel Prison Service said the prisoners were released as part of a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas.
Earlier, Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages to the Israeli military (IDF) through Red Cross officials. They have arrived in Israel.
The three returnees were taken back to Israel by a special IDF unit and Shin Bet security forces. Initial medical examinations will be conducted, according to the Israeli military. There is joy in Israel as they return.
A Hamas official told AFP that the three female hostages were officially handed over to the Red Cross in al-Saraya Square in the al-Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza City. The freed women are Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31.