DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has taken hold, raising hopes for an end to the devastating 15-month Israel-Hamas war and the release of dozens of militant-held hostages. A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the start of the truce by nearly three hours on Sunday and highlighted its fragility. Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes despite the delay. The truce, which started at 11:15 a.m. local time, is just the first step toward ultimately ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack. (Photo: AP)