Freeing of detainees, including top terrorists, goes ahead after Israel says mediators guarantee future 'safe passage' of hostages; Witkoff 'hopeful' deal's next stages will go ahead

Israel resumed the release of Palestinian prisoners following a delay Netanyahu ordered, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their release.

The first three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian captives were released Sunday, signs that a long-awaited cease-fire was taking effect in Gaza.

The Israeli leader pointed to the last-minute treatment of the seven hostages as ‘yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty’ of Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay in the planned release of terrorists, seeking assurance regarding the release of hostages, but the prime minister's office later indicated that the demand had been satisfied.