Hamas has sent the first three hostages back to Israel as part of the ceasefire deal that both sides hope will end the nearly 15-month conflict.

Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were the first hostages to be released, transported by van from Gaza to the Red Cross to facilitate the exchange.

All three women were taken hostage on October 7, 2023 during the Hamas attack on Israel. Gonen was at the Nova music festival and was shot in the hand during her abduction, according to local media.

Israel initially delayed the exchange, claiming they needed Hamas to release the list of names of hostages that would be released. Hamas complied late on Sunday morning and informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office of the list of names, The Times of Israel reported.

President Joe Biden will speak later this morning to address the release.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.