Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Jerusalem has ordered their release held up "until the safe exit of our hostages during the next waves is guaranteed," according to the Prime Minister's Office.

The cease-fire has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Ali Al-Ansari, media attache to the Qatari Embassy to the United States, told Newsweek his nation "appreciates the important ...