90 Palestinian prisoners released from Israel

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

ByDavid Brennan, Nadine El-Bawab, Kevin Shalvey, and Bill Hutchinson
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.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 19, 2025, 5:09 PM EST

3 hostages released by Hamas are in 'stable condition'

The three hostages released by Hamas are in "stable condition," Professor Itai Pessach for the Safra Children’s Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, said in a televised statement Sunday evening local time.

"I'm happy to report that they are in stable condition. That allows us and them to focus on what is the most important thing -- reuniting with their families. We will continue to monitor their medical condition. This will take a few more days," Pessach said.

-ABC News' Anna Burd

Jan 19, 2025, 4:13 PM EST

More than 550 humanitarian aid trucks enter Gaza on Sunday: Source

More than 550 humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza since a ceasefire began Sunday morning, including 242 to the northern Gaza Strip, a source in the Gaza Interior Ministry told ABC News.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrive in the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom crossing, also known as Karem Abu Salem, Jan. 19, 2025.
Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC News' Samy Zyara

Jan 19, 2025, 1:55 PM EST

Photos show 3 Israeli former hostages reunited with their mothers

Photos were released by Israeli officials on Sunday showing the three released hostages hugging their mothers as they were reunited.

The images showed former hostages Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, all sharing emotional embraces with their mothers.

Hostage Doron Steinbrecher reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

Hostage Romi Gonen reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

Hostage Emily Damari reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

Jan 19, 2025, 1:26 PM EST

IDF says 3 released hostages are being airlifted to a hospital

The three female Israeli hostages released on Sunday and their mothers have boarded an Israeli Air Force helicopter that will take them to a hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment, according to the IDF.

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