Israel has begun allowing Palestinians to return to the heavily destroyed north of the Gaza Strip for the first time since the early weeks of the 15-month war with Hamas, in accordance with a fragile ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Hamas will release Arbel Yehud and two other hostages on Thursday along with three additional hostages on Saturday. A deal between Lebanon and Israel has been extended until February 18.

A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has taken effect following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release