Gaza ceasefire begins after Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed
Long-awaited ceasefire has started in Gaza following a three-hour delay, bringing respite to the besieged enclave after a bloody 15 months.
The truce had been expected to start at the early hour but Israel waited until Hamas had handed over the list of hostages due to be released Sunday.
According to officials, during the delay, Israel continued to strike the enclave, with at least 13 Palestinians killed and 30 others wounded.
Although, the exact time is unclear, three Israeli hostages are expected to be released on Sunday but the Israeli government has indicated it will be towards evening time.
A total of 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released during the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasts for six weeks.
Displaced Gazans are starting to return to their homes, while aid trucks lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing ahead of the deal going into effect.
