Emotional scenes are unfolding as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are reunited with their families.

Once the guns fell silent, Palestinians celebrated in the streets of Gaza while Israelis streamed into Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” to await their return.

The ceasefire ushers in an initial six weeks of calm and raises hopes for the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truce’s start by nearly three hours, but the spokesman for Hamas’ military wing later said it is committed to the ceasefire.

Celebrations and tears of joy as first 90 Palestinian prisoners released - Release of Palestinian detainees comes hours after three Israeli hostages were handed over to military

The agreement is set to halt a 15-month-old war between Israel and Hamas that has decimated the Strip, killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, and destabilised the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the cease-fire would commence at 11:15 a.m. local time. The announcement came after Israel said it had received t

The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza came into effect Sunday morning, after a delay of nearly three hours from the expected time. BBC News reports that Gazans are beginning to return to their homes, after Hamas fulfilled the condition of ceasefire,