NEW DELHI: The Israel Prison Service said that it released 90 Palestinian prisoners early on Monday (Jan 20) as a part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday (Jan 19) after a brief delay.

"All the terrorists were released from Ofer prison and the Jerusalem detention centre", the service said, referring to the Palestinian prisoners, in a statement issued just before 1:30 am local time (2330 GMT Sunday).
The development came after Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages in the first exchange under a much-awaited truce deal which is aimed at ending the 15-month war in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Israel witnessed tears of joy and warm hugs after the released hostages reunited with their families in the first phase of the deal.
The three women - Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari - were handed over to the officials of the Red Cross by armed men.

All three hostages who were freed had been held captive by Hamas during its attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of at least 1,200 people. 
The militant group released them in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared videos and pictures of the three women on his official X handle.
All three of them could be seen draped in Israeli flags, reuniting with their families.
"We didn't have any sign of life from her for a whole year and this is the first time we see her, and we see her walking on her two feet and we are just waiting here to hug her and say how much we love her," said the family of the released hostages.

Welcoming the three women back home, Netanyahu said on the phone, "I would like you to tell them: Romi, Doron and Emily - an entire nation embraces you. Welcome home".

The Israel Defense Forces also welcomed the women saying, "This is what we’ve been fighting for, for over 471 days. Welcome home Emily, Doron and Romi."