EVEN before the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and its allies was fully in place today, Palestinians in the war-battered Gaza Strip began to return to the remains of the homes they had evacuated during the 15-month Israeli onslaught.

Israel, meanwhile, announced the names of the first hostages who were handed over to the Red Cross today, in exchange for the planned release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

An Israeli official confirmed that Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were set to be released later last night.