DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The first three hostages set to be released from Gaza were transferred to the Red Cross and were on their way toward Israeli forces, the Israeli military announced Sunday, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire would not begin until Hamas provides the names of the three hostages it was set to release later Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners.

A large number of Palestinians in Gaza stepped out of their houses to celebrate Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal that was agreed on Wednesday, bringing pause to 15-month-old conflict