Barry Rosen “lived in darkness” for 444 days after being taken by Iranian revolutionaries on Nov. 4, 1979, each day a new low of feeling “hopeless and helpless .” “Nothing is more important than for them to be home and see their loved ones again,” an emotional Rosen, 80, told The Post, after a cease-fire deal was announced this week.

Three female Israeli hostages held by Hamas for 15 months have been released and brought back to Israel, the Israeli military says, after a long-awaited ceasefire deal took effect. Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher,

The three civilians form the first group handed over under the agreement that took effect Sunday. Israel will set free around 90 Palestinian prisoners in the first round of exchanges.