As discussions continued, 10 more Israeli hostages were freed under the terms of the deal, with another four Thai hostages and two Israeli-Russian women released outside the framework of the arrangement.

According to AFP, a video released by Hamas showed masked gunmen handing hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Shortly after the hostages arrived in Israel, the country’s prison service said 30 Palestinian prisoners had been released, including well-known activist Ahed Tamimi.

Since the truce began on Nov 24, 70 Israeli hostages have been freed in return for 210 Palestinian prisoners. Around 30 foreigners, most of them Thais living in Israel, have been freed outside the terms of the deal.