Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud, 29, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas fighters as she is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel sparked the fighting.

Israel and Hamas have initiated the first of several hostage and prisoner exchanges that will take place as part of a ceasefire deal.

Among those to be freed is Arbel Yehoud, whose release was at the center of a dispute that threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire deal.

Tel Aviv [Israel], January 30 (ANI): 482 days since being held in captivity by Hamas after the horrific October 7 attack, Israeli hostage Agam Berger, 20, was freed in Gaza early Thursday (local time) as part of the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

This marked the second exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners since the ceasefire came into effect

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy formed the second group of Israeli hostages to be released under the terms of a ceasefire deal. Flanked by Hamas militants, the four Israeli soldiers smiled and waved from a stage in Gaza City's Palestine Square before being led off to Red Cross.

The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, leading to a possible end to 15 months of a devastating war in Gaza that spread to other parts of the Middle East.

The names of the four female Israeli soldiers who will be exchanged on Saturday for Palestinian prisoners have been released by Hamas. This is the second of such exchanges that are to run the course of the first two phases of a three-stage ceasefire agreed this month.

Israel confirmed Hamas handed over a list that specified ... Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings ...

Israel accused Hamas of changing the order of hostages ... Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.