Three Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza.

Along with 369 Palestinians expected to be freed, these three Israelis are being released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal - after Hamas rowed back on threats to postpone the swap.

Action Aid Ireland CEO Karol Balfe said it was vital today's exchange went ahead.

“It really, really matters,” she said.

“At this stage, we can see how fragile the ceasefire is.

“There's been the added threat that has come from President Trump about displacing the entire Palestinian population and any kind of resumption of fighting would be beyond heartbreaking and devastating.

“The people of Gaza and the hostages have suffered enough.”

Palestinians gather to attend the Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

These releases follow a turbulent week where both sides threatened to end the ceasefire deal.

International correspondent Diana Magnay said today's exchange almost didn't happen.

“It was very, very tentative - it did not look as though it was going to go ahead,” she said.

“Earlier in the week, Hamas saying that they would not go ahead with it because they said that Israel was not allowing in sufficient humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.”

Friends of the Horn family gathered to watch the release screening of Israeli hostage Yair Horn from Gaza. February 15th 2025. Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News

Tánaiste Simon Harris is set to announce today that the delivery of emergency shelter and food will be delivered in Gaza next week - funded by Ireland.

This comes as Tánaiste Harris attends the International Security Conference in Munich and is due to meet with the Palestinian Prime Minister.

The Tánaiste said he joins with people across Ireland in “urging the release of all hostages, the cessation of all violence and a major surge in humanitarian assistance”.

Israeli hostages handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. 15/02/2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)