Freeing of detainees, including top terrorists, goes ahead after Israel says mediators guarantee future 'safe passage' of hostages; Witkoff 'hopeful' deal's next stages will go ahead

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

The women are the first three hostages to be released under the newly implemented ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas

Eight hostages − three Israelis and five Thai nationals − were returned to Israel on Thursday after spending 482 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza. They were freed in an at-times chaotic handover in connection with a weeks-long ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners swap between Israel and the militant group aimed at ending 15 months of fighting.

The outgoing Israeli ambassador to the United States, Mike Herzog, told Axios on Monday that he expects the 47th president to reverse the US weapons-supply ban within his first few days back in

Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday in exchange for three Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Five Thai workers held captive in the enclave were also freed in a separate deal with Thailand.

Israel resumed the release of Palestinian prisoners following a delay Netanyahu ordered, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their release.

A crowd greets Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters as they arrive for the hand-over of Ihostages to the Red Cross in the south Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis, 30 January 2025

Hamas has handed captive Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip. Thursday's release is part of a ceasefire that began Jan. 19. It is

A female Israeli soldier is released as the next hostage-prisoner exchange gets underway amid the ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli hostage Agam Berger is handed over to the Red Cross by Palestinian militants:::: Jabalia, GazaThree Israeli hostages are expected to be freed on Thursday in return for 110 Palestinian prisoners.