The first hostages have been released in the Gaza Strip as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

As part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas has freed three Israeli hostages, reports the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

According to the IDF, the Red Cross confirmed that the three hostages have been handed over to them and are already on their way to Israeli military and security services in the Gaza Strip.

The hostages were seen in a video that was shown on television. The young women were handed over to the Red Cross team. Israeli military confirmed that they received the hostages, and the office of the Prime Minister of Israel identified them as Romi Gonen (24 years old), Emily Damari (28 years old), and Doron Steinbrecher (31 years old).

Reports indicate that for the release of the three hostages, Israel is required to free about 90 Palestinian prisoners.

In particular, among the released hostages are citizens of Britain and Romania. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis thanked all partners and called for adherence to the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the return of the hostages 'an incredibly moving day'. He also asked to convey words of support to the hostages.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was the result of months of negotiations facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with the support of the United States. The agreement came into effect on January 19.

U.S. President Joe Biden officially confirmed the agreement and called for the fulfillment of all its terms.