The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, in Gaza, is now in effect.

 

The deal began after nearly a three-hour delay during which Israeli strikes killed at least 19 Palestinians.

 

Israel delayed the truce, saying fighting would continue until Hamas mentioned the names of the first three hostages set to be released. Hamas blamed a “technical” hold-up for the delay.

 

The ceasefire began after Israel confirmed the names.

 

Hamas listed them as Romi Gonen, 24; Doron Steinbrecher, 31; and Emily Damari, 28, a dual UK-Israeli citizen.

 

About 30 Palestinian prisoners will be released per Israeli hostage.

 

A total of 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza and nearly 2,000 Palestinians are expected to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire.

 

The exact time the three female hostages will be released Sunday is still unclear. The Israeli government said it would be after 9am ET.

 

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel is due to withdraw from population centers but will retain a presence along Gaza’s borders and on a road dividing the territory.

 

Reports indicated that the Israeli military has withdrawn from several locations in both southern and northern Gaza so far.

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is set to receive the three Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.