Gaza Ceasefire:  After the ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has released 3 Israeli women hostages. The Israeli army has confirmed the release of the three women. Under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas handed over these three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Sunday.

All three women reached Israel

The hostages were released a few hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. These three hostage women have reached Israel. The Israel Defense Force has confirmed the return of the hostages to Israel. The mothers of the hostages were waiting to meet them. 

Earlier, footage from Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera showed the released hostages being led away. There was a large crowd surrounding them, many of whom were holding their phones and making videos. The vehicles were accompanied by armed men wearing green Hamas headbands who were struggling to protect the cars from the unruly crowd that numbered in the thousands. The three will be taken for medical checkups. 

Dozens of hostages will be released 

US President Joe Biden said of the released hostages, "They appear to be doing well." Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on a big screen in Tel Aviv cheered. A gradual release of dozens of hostages has been agreed over the coming weeks. 

There is hope as well as anxiety among Israelis about the ceasefire and the release of hostages. Many fear that the three-phase deal could collapse before all the hostages are returned, or that they will be released in poor health. Others worry that the number of hostages who will die is far higher than estimated. 90 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released. The first phase of the 42-day ceasefire will see the return of 33 hostages from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Many displaced Palestinians will also be able to return to their homes.