The truce allowed Palestinians to return to bombed-out neighborhoods to begin rebuilding their lives, while relief trucks delivered much-needed aid.

After 15 months of war, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect Sunday morning, paving the way for a dramatic day that saw Hamas free the first of 33 Israeli hostages — three women who had languished in captivity for 471 days.

The first stage of a truce between Israel and Hamas prompted celebrations in Gaza and hope for an end to the 15-month war. Three Israeli hostages were expected to be freed on Sunday, along with dozens of Palestinian prisoners.