A temporary truce to end 15 months of fighting in Gaza began on Sunday with the release of three Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The Israeli military also began pulling back from several positions in the enclave, while some displaced Palestinians started returning to their homes.
Israel confirmed that 90 Palestinian prisoners were freed following the release of the three hostages who had been held by Hamas in Gaza.
The freed hostages — Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari — are the first of 33 to be released by Hamas and its allies over the next six weeks. They are reported to be in good health and receiving treatment at a medical center in Tel Aviv. Their release prompted celebrations in Tel Aviv.
Displaced Palestinians started to return to their homes, though one Gazan told CNN the moment was “bittersweet,” as 92% of homes in the enclave have been destroyed or damaged, according to the UN.
Meanwhile, hundreds of aid trucks with critical supplies entered Gaza.
Following the start of the truce, the Israeli military withdrew from several locations in southern and northern Gaza, according to CNN reports.
