Palestinian militant group Hamas has released list of three Israeli hostages it plans to set free on Sunday (January 19), said multiple news reports in Western media. The development marked beginning of the Gaza ceasefire after Israel-Hamas war which has been raging for 15 months now.

Hamas mentioned named the women hostages it would free about two hours after the ceasefire was to take effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been firm on list of names of hostages Hamas would release.

The ceasefire began at 11:15 am (local time) on Sunday. CNN has reported that Hamas and Israel will exchange prisoners at 4 pm (local time).

(This is a breaking news. More to follow shortly)