Three hostages were handed over to Israeli forces — the first of 33 expected to be freed over the next six weeks in exchange for some 1,900 Palestinians. The deal follows months of negotiations.

Hamas-led militants are set to free three more hostages — all men — on Saturday, and Israel will release dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of a fragile

The deal ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the 15-month war.