UNICEF trucks carrying water, hygiene kits, and food were seen entering the Gaza Strip as the ceasefire deal began earlier today, according to a post by the U.N. agency on X. Images showed trucks loaded with supplies lined up along the besieged territory.

"A ceasefire agreement is a critical first step, but it must be upheld. Parties to conflict must ensure safe, unimpeded access for aid to reach every child," UNICEF added.

BEITUNIA, West Bank — Small crowds of Palestinians gathered outside Israel's Ofer Prison as they waited for the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israeli forces as part of the ceasefire agreement.

Some huddled around small fires along the road near the prison as they waited for loved ones or simply watched for news.

At least 90 prisoners and detainees are expected to be released today, all of them women and children, according to a joint statement from the Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club and the Prisoners’ Media Office.

A total of 69 women and 21 children are expected to be released according to the media office, with 76 people being from the occupied West Bank. The IDF has said it will have a ramped up presence in the West Bank amid the release.

The three hostages have crossed from Gaza into Israel where they will undergo a medical assessment at a reception point, the IDF said.

A video released by the IDF shows their mothers watching their return and awaiting them there. 

Video released by the Israeli military has showed the mothers of the three young female hostages released today by Hamas — Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher — waiting for their daughters.

The three are being flown to Tel Aviv to undergo medical examinations.

The transer of the women took place in Gaza, where there was a strong contingent of Hamas militants who arrived masked and armed. The Red Cross received them and brought them to the awaiting Israeli military.

The Red Cross has transferred three Israeli hostages to Israeli custody, the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency says.

The three are heading toward Israeli military positions in the Gaza Strip.  

Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square cheered and clapped as the news came in that the first hostages had been transferred into Red Cross custody.

The Hostage Families forum earlier said that thousands of people had gathered in the square for a collective viewing alongside the families of the hostages.

People gather in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to watch a live feed ahead of a hostage release that is part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement began between Israel and Hamas on Sunday.

The three hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, the first step in their release after 15 months in captivity, according to NBC News’ crew in Gaza.

The Red Cross is collecting Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher from their Hamas captors, where they will then driven through Gaza and transferred to the care of the Israel Defense Forces. They will be taken into Israel, then to Sheba Medical Center for medical checks and treatment, according to Israel’s Ministry of Health.

The Israel Defense Forces released images of Air Force helicopters prepared to receive the hostages from Gaza later today. One image posted on X showed long rows of seats inside with blankets and other supplies.