After 15 months of a grueling war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of a ceasefire deal on Wednesday. The agreement will create a pause in fighting that will allow critical aid to reach Gaza, and begin an exchange of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were freed from Gaza. Thirty more hostages are set to be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The first three hostages held by Hamas and some prisoners held captive by Israel are scheduled to be exchanged following the cessation of hostilities Sunday. The Israeli government on Friday approved the cease-fire agreement with Hamas that ends fighting in Gaza and could see Hamas release three Israelis hostages in exchange for Israel releasing several Palestinians held prisoner in Israeli jails on Sunday morning,