Israeli authorities began releasing more than 300 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails after they confirmed receiving three Israeli men held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas-led militants have released three male Israeli hostages, and Israeli forces began releasing hundreds of prisoners in return, in the latest indication that the fragile ceasefire deal that has paused fighting in the Gaza Strip but that had teetered in recent days, is holding.

Hamas named three more Israeli hostages it will release in a weekend trade for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, the latest sign that the shaky Gaza ceasefire deal appears to be holding in spite of a tense dispute that has threatened to renew fighting.

The families of Israeli hostages still held by the Hamas militant group have welcomed the “joyous news” that three men, all taken from the same kibbutz on Oct. 7, 2023, are expected to be freed on Saturday.