Hostages held by Hamas have been released today following a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Some 13 Israeli nationals were released from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.

Israel is expected to release 39 Palestinian prisoners in return later this evening.

It comes after a four-day truce in the war between Israel and Hamas came into force early this morning.

Thai Nationals

In a separate deal, 12 Thai nationals have also been freed by Hamas.

The Thai hostages were released as part of a separate deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

The hostages had been held captive for 49 days.

It is understood that nine-year-old Irish-Israeli national Emily Hand is not among those released today.

Emily Hand was seized from kibbutz Be’eri on October 7th.

Some 50 women and children being held by Hamas are due to be freed over the four-day period.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be handed over by Israel.

Humanitarian relief and medical aid will be allowed to enter Gaza to treat casualties as part of the ceasefire terms.

Israel said it would stop its offensive on the Gaza Strip for an extra day for every 10 additional hostages released.

Israel has published an extended list of 300 Palestinian prisoners who could be released in total if the truce deal is extended by Hamas.

Deaths

The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7th.

Hamas militants crossed the border killing 1,200 people and seizing roughly 240 hostages.

In retaliation, Israel has killed an estimated 14,000 people in Gaza.

Of these deaths, 40% are estimated to have been children.