The first day of the ceasefire...First release of three Israeli women hostages

As the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas took effect on the morning of the 19th local time, three Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released in 471 days.

Israeli special forces said they took over three female hostages through the Red Cross in Gaza on the afternoon of the 19th local time.

They are women in their 20s and 30s, including dancers and animal hospital nurses, who were all kidnapped on the day of Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023.

The hostages are expected to meet their families after being screened at a military facility on the border.

Israel will hand over 90 Palestinian prisoners to Hamas in 19 days local time.

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