The expected release will keep up the momentum of the fragile ceasefire​ between Israel and the militant Hamas group that paused the 15-monthlong war in Gaza.

Witnessed and recorded by an NBC News crew in Gaza, the fighters' presence at a crossing deemed vital for keeping Hamas from going into the north of Gaza raises big questions about one of Israel’s stated objectives in launching the war: eliminate the militant group behind the worst terrorist attack in Israeli history.

Hamas militants have released eight hostages, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, as part of the third hostage-prisoner exchange following the ceasefire agreement that began on January 19.

The jet carrying 64 people had departed from Wichita, Kan., and the helicopter was carrying three U.S. service members. The collision, which happened Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan National Airport, was the most serious air disaster involving a commercial jet in the U.S. since 2009.

Palestinian groups and Israel are carrying out a third hostage-prisoner exchange under a ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Israel also cut contact with the UN's Palestinian refugee agency. DW has the latest.

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy formed the second group of Israeli hostages to be released under the terms of a ceasefire deal. Flanked by Hamas militants, the four Israeli soldiers smiled and waved from a stage in Gaza City's Palestine Square before being led off to Red Cross.

Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the martyrdom of the Chief of Staff of the Brigades, Mohammed al-Deif.

WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians streamed into Gaza’s most heavily destroyed area on Monday after Israel opened the north for the first time since the early weeks of the war with Hamas, a dramatic reversal of their exodus 15 months ago.

The start of a truce prompted celebrations in Gaza, where Hamas militants made a show of force on the streets after 15 months of war. Hours after the first three hostages returned to Israel, it freed 90 prisoners.

On the eve of his historic return to the White House, Trump helped broker the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that has allowed many of the Israeli (and American) hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 to be returned. If the deal holds, more will be released over time.

Thousands have attended the funerals of ten Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike on the northern occupied West Bank town of Tamoun.