Three hostages were handed over to Israeli forces — the first of 33 expected to be freed over the next six weeks in exchange for some 1,900 Palestinians. The deal follows months of negotiations.

Three hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces and crossed into Israel in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It remains unclear whether the six-week truce will lead to a permanent cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, or if fighting will resume.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Sunday, pausing the devastating 15-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip

Israel has cut several of its adversaries down to size but could face years of fighting to keep them contained.

Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives, while many rushed back to their homes.

The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is due to start at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on Sunday.

President-elect Donald Trump said mass deportations will begin “very quickly” after taking office, one of a number of plans he discussed in a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mohammad Salem CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, some in celebration,

CNN political and national security analyst David Sanger and global affairs analyst Kim Dozier explain the significance of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire-for-hostage deal, and why phase two of the agreement will be much more challenging.

Ashley Waxman Bakshi knows the Gaza ceasefire agreement is a bad deal for Israel, but she believes it could be the last chance she has of seeing her cousin Agam again.