US President Joe Biden has delivered remarks on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal.

“The deal that I pushed for last May … has finally come to fruition,” Biden said. “The ceasefire has gone into effect in Gaza and today we are seeing hostages being released,” he added, mentioning the three Israeli hostages released today.

He continued, “Four more women will be released in seven days, with three additional hostages released every seven days thereafter, including at least two American citizens in this first phase.”

Biden added that on the 16th day of the ceasefire, talks will begin on the second phase of the agreement, which includes a permanent end to hostilities and the release of captured Israeli soldiers.

“Today alone, we anticipate several hundred trucks will enter the Gaza Strip as I’m speaking,” Biden added.

“After so much pain, destruction and loss of life, the guns in Gaza have gone silent,” the president said, highlighting that this deal was “endorsed overwhelmingly”, by actors including the UN Security Council.