The deal was met with celebration in Gaza, which has been decimated in the war that began with the Hamas attacks on Israel, and prompted hopes that a fight that has transformed the Middle East will come to an end.

The first three hostages were released Sunday after the ceasefire officially began. A total of 33 hostages will be released in the first phase of the deal.

The ceasefire was delayed after Israel said Hamas had failed to produce the names of the first three hostages expected to be released on Sunday under the truce.