Three women hostages in Gaza are released for the first time today...Only 471 days.

Three Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be released in 471 days as the first phase of the cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas takes effect on the morning of the 19th local time.

The hostages Hamas announced that it would be released on the afternoon of the 19th local time were three women in their 20s and 30s, including dancers and animal hospital nurses, all of whom were kidnapped on the day of Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023.

The Times of Israel said Israeli special forces will take over the three men through the Red Cross in Gaza after 4 p.m.

After that, the hostages are expected to undergo medical examinations at military facilities in the border area and travel to hospitals to meet their families.

Hamas will take over 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israel in exchange for the release of three hostages.

Earlier, the two sides agreed to exchange 33 hostages and 737 prisoners, including them, during the 42-day first phase of the cease-fire.