The first phase of a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced Sunday, bringing a temporary halt to 15 months of intense conflict. Amid the truce, Hamas released three female hostages, now safely back in Israel. The exchange marks the initial step in a deal that will see dozens of hostages freed and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released.

President Joe Biden welcomed the return of the hostages and credited the truce to "the pressure Israel put on Hamas backed by the United States." Speaking on Sunday, he expressed hope for lasting peace, stating, "Today, the guns in Gaza have gone silent."

The hostages-Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Romi Gonen, 24, and Emily Damari, 28-were handed over to the Red Cross before being transported into Israel. They are undergoing medical and psychological evaluations at a central Israeli hospital while reuniting with their families. Doron and Emily were abducted from a kibbutz during the October 7 Hamas attack, while Romi was taken from the Nova Music Festival.

In exchange for each Israeli hostage, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners, escalating to 50 if the hostage is a soldier. The first batch includes 90 prisoners, primarily women and minors, held in administrative detention. The release agreement is expected to unfold in multiple phases, ultimately leading to the liberation of 33 hostages and 1,904 Palestinian detainees.

The ceasefire has also opened Gaza's borders for desperately needed humanitarian aid. Up to 600 trucks carrying food, medicine, and fuel are expected to enter daily, addressing severe shortages that have exacerbated the enclave's humanitarian crisis. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, and thousands remain displaced or missing.

Despite the ceasefire, the path to peace remains fragile. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida confirmed the group's commitment to the agreement but warned its continuation depends on Israel's actions. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government's goal of defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages.

Negotiations for the second phase of the agreement are set to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Biden expressed optimism about achieving a "permanent end to the war," although experts caution that the situation remains volatile. The truce offers a glimmer of hope to both sides but is underscored by the immense challenges ahead in achieving sustainable peace.

The ceasefire comes after months of intensified conflict sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. Though some captives have been released or recovered, the fates of many remain uncertain. Israeli officials report that at least 34 hostages are dead.

For Gaza's residents, the ceasefire has provided a fleeting chance to survey the destruction left by Israeli airstrikes. Families have begun returning to their homes-or what remains of them-seeking safety and stability after months of devastation.