The crowds in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square" cheered and whooped with joy late Sunday at the news that the first three hostages freed under the Gaza ceasefire deal had returned to Israel.There was elation among those who had waited for hours in the plaza in the centre of Israel's commercial hub opposite Israeli military headquarters.

Hundreds of aid trucks were beginning to enter Gaza, which has been devastated by airstrikes and shelling in the wake of Israel’s response to Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border terrorist attack.

The first three hostages set to be released from Gaza were transferred to the Red Cross and were on their way toward Israeli forces, the Israeli military announced Sunday, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold.

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher crossed into Israel on a military transport after being driven out of Gaza City in a Red Cross vehicle, Israel said.

A team of doctors in Israel is preparing for the return of the hostages from Gaza with the expectation that many are likely to have severe, life-threatening complications from spending more than a yea

Israel's government approved a cease-fire and hostage deal with Hamas this week.The cease-fire began on Sunday as Hamas released its first few hostages.3 hostages returned to Israel, where they were treated at a hospital near Tel Aviv.

Hospitals and health officials have been preparing isolated areas where the hostages can begin recuperating, and there are concerns that the returning captives may be malnourished.