DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) â A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, ushering in an initial six-week period of calm and raising hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truce's start by nearly three hours and highlighted its fragility.
A Red Cross convoy was on its way to pick up the first Israeli hostages in Gaza. It was not clear how long the process would take.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as details become available.
