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.

Military says 'no expense has been spared' in beefing up protection for Gaza-adjacent line, using new technologies and physical defenses, in addition to surveillance capabilities The post IDF: Ashkelon-Sderot train line,

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold Sunday seemingly starting a six-week pause in 15 months of fighting in Gaza and setting the stage for the

A rocket fired from Gaza hit a house in the Israeli border town of Sderot on Monday, while another projectile was intercepted by air-defence systems and a third landed in an uninhabited area, the Israeli military said.

Three officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilized the Middle East.

Three hostages released from Gaza arrive in Israel as a fragile ceasefire takes effect, marking a significant moment for families and the nation.

President Joe Biden and his top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had sought closure during his term.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see a total of 33 hostages returned and hundreds of Palestinian terrorists released.

Hundreds of Israelis gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, some cheering and some in tears, as a giant television screen broadcast the first glimpse of the first three hostages to be released under the Gaza ceasefire deal.

By The Associated Press A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect on Sunday following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release. The

A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect on Sunday following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release.