Hamas released the first three hostages to Israel as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, Reuters reports. The three women were accompanied to the specified location by several armed Hamas militants. They reunited with their mothers at a Red Cross reception point near the Gaza border, as reported by the Israeli military.

The cease-fire-for-hostage deal is scheduled to go into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday, Qatari officials announced earlier Saturday.

Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.

Long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is due to begin at 630am GMT on Sunday – but hostages’ families and Palestinians all fear the deal could fall at the final hurdle

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will resume fighting if it needs to as he demands Hamas supply the names of three female hostages expected to be released. NBC News' Raf Sanchez reports that Netanyahu said both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump played a role in bringing the ceasefire about.

The proposed terms, which include the release of hostages and at least a temporary pause in fighting in Gaza, were agreed to by the Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams, the Israeli prime

President-elect Donald Trump's influence over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the defining factor in reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached, after his office had said earlier there were last minute snags in finalizing a ceasefire that would pause 15 months of war.

Several adversaries have been cut down to size but Israel could face years of fighting to keep them contained.

Ceasefire in Gaza that was expected to begin today hit delays, possibly stalling the hostage release; the Israeli military continued attacks

Three female hostages were freed by Hamas under the terms of an Israeli cease-fire agreement, which was delayed by several hours Sunday.