90 Palestinian prisoners released from Israel

The ceasefire will see Gaza hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel freed.

Last Updated: January 20, 2025, 4:46 AM EST

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect on Sunday morning. Hostages held in the strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails will be freed in the first phase of the deal.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Jan 19, 2025, 10:34 AM EST

Hostages in good condition, official says

An Israeli official told ABC News that the Red Cross said its initial examination of the three released hostages indicated that all are in good condition.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Jan 19, 2025, 10:23 AM EST

ICRC has the 3 hostages released, IDF confirms

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed to the Israel Defense Forces that the three Israeli hostages have been transferred to the ICRC and are "on their way" to Israeli forces in Gaza, the IDF said in a statement.

Jan 19, 2025, 9:44 AM EST

Biden being 'regularly updated' on hostage release, official says

President Joe Biden has been "regularly updated" through Sunday morning with the latest on the ongoing hostage release in Gaza, a senior administration official told ABC News.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Jan 19, 2025, 9:41 AM EST

Hamas says hostages handed over in Gaza City

Hamas' military wing -- the Al-Qassam Brigades -- said it "handed over three Israeli female prisoners" to the Red Cross in Gaza City.

Palestinian Hamas militants keep guard as people gather before the release of Israeli hostages, in Gaza City on Jan. 19, 2025.
Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

The transfer occurred "in the vicinity of the Saraya Junction" amid "a large crowd," the force added in a statement.

-ABC News' Samy Zyara

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