Israel has released 90 Palestinian people hours after Hamas released three Israeli hostages.

Crowds gathered early on Monday morning to celebrate the first release of detainees following the ceasefire deal.

All of the detainees come from the occupied West Bank or East Jerusalem.

The youngest person released was a 15-year-old boy.

Hostages

On Sunday, Hamas returned three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross.

The hostages were 28-year-old Biritsh-Israeli Emily Damari, 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher and 24-year-old Romi Gonen.

All three were in a stable condition, according to Sheba Medical Centre.

Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy embrace near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In Gaza, meanwhile, many Palestinians are returning only to find their homes have been turned to rubble.

Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah, a surgeon in Gaza City, says the rebuilding starts now.

"We think of our dead and we think of our people and we plan for tomorrow," he said.

"Despite the attempt to erase the Palestinian people we will build the Palestinian health system.

"We will mend our wounds."

2S74713 A Palestinian sets off fireworks in celebration and joy over the cessation of the war on the Gaza Strip, Alamy.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal last week which took effect at 11.15am (local time) yesterday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire, which had been due to start at 6.30am, would not begin until Israel received the names of the three hostages to be released.

After receiving the list, his office confirmed in a statement the ceasefire had started.

Hamas blamed the delay on "technical field issues".

During this delay, Israel continued to launch military strikes on Gaza.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Services said 13 people were killed in the strikes and dozens were injured.

Medics reported tanks firing at the Zeitoun area in Gaza City and said an airstrike and tank fire also hit the northern town of Beit Hanoun - sending residents who had returned there in anticipation of the ceasefire fleeing.

Additional reporting by IRN. 

Feature image: A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)