The international community has welcomed the two-day truce extension, with simultaneous calls for its continuation and the eventual cessation of the conflict, AFP reports.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “a glimpse of hope and humanity in the middle of the darkness of war”.

“Our forces will accompany them until they are reunited with their families,” the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that it “salutes and embraces the released hostages upon their return home”.

The releases brought “a sigh of relief to our community, however, we remain deeply concerned about our loved ones that are still held hostage,” kibbutz official Osnat Peri said.