Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes despite the delay.

The first three Israeli hostages returning home under a long-awaited Gaza truce were transferred to the Red Cross overnight, a Hamas official and the Israeli military said. The hostages, all women, “were officially handed over to the Red Cross” in Gaza City ahead of their return to Israel, the senior Hamas official told AFP.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.