Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

By The Associated Press A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect on Sunday following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release. The

"The nightmare of death and starvation is over," one displaced woman says, as the Red Cross retrieves hostages freed under the deal.

The list of the 33 hostages set to be released in the first stage of the deal hostage deal was published on Friday.

Palestinians took to the streets across Gaza as they celebrated the much-anticipated ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which came into effect on Sunday at 11:15 am local time after a three-hour delay.

A ceasefire, hostage and prisoners deal endorsed by Israel and Hamas came into effect Sunday after a three-hour delay.

Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell and Emily Rose JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Palestinians headed for the rubble of their former homes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday and Israelis prepared to receive the first hostages still held by Hamas after a ceasefire deal took effect that could pave the way for an end to the 15-month-old war.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold in the Gaza Strip, ushering in an initial six-week period of calm and raising hopes for the release of hostages.