Thousands of displaced, war-weary Gazans set off across the devastated Palestinian territory to return to their home areas on Sunday, after a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas took effect following an initial delay.

Thousands of displaced, war-weary Gazans set off across the devastated Palestinian territory to return to their home areas on Sunday, after a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas took effect following an initial delay.

CAIRO — The cease-fire between Hamas and Israel will go into effect Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time, mediator Qatar announced Saturday, as families of hostages held in Gaza braced for news of loved ones, Palestinians prepared to receive freed detainees, and humanitarian groups rushed to set up a surge of aid.

The first three hostages were released Sunday after the ceasefire officially began. A total of 33 hostages will be released in the first phase of the deal.

Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip and free more than a third of the Israeli hostages, who have had to endure more than 15 months of captivity, officials

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict is set to begin, involving a hostage and prisoner exchange. Three Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released initially. The temporary truce,

A motorcade of armed men paraded through Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Sunday, January 19, after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect.The ceasefire, due to take place at 8.30 am on Sunday, was delayed nearly three-hours during which Israeli attacks killed at least 19 Palestinians.

JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday (Jan 18) that Israel reserves the right to resume fighting in Gaza with US support, as he pledged to bring home all hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is to begin on Sunday at 0630 GMT, with three Israeli hostages to be released from captivity in return for a first group of Palestinian prisoners.If all goes to plan,

The deal kicked in at 8:15 am Gaza time on Sunday, nearly three hours after it was scheduled to come into effect.

Hamas fighters parade in Khan Yunis, celebrating a ceasefire agreement and the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners amid ongoing humanitarian concerns.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

President-elect Donald Trump praised the new Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage exchange deal that his special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to