Fifteen Palestinian prisoners among dozens freed by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire agreement have arrived in Turkiye following deportation to Egypt, the Hamas prisoners media office says.

According to Reuters, they are the first taken in by a third country apart from Egypt under the ceasefire terms, which bar prisoners convicted by Israel of violent attacks from returning to the Palestinian territories.

Palestinians view those jailed for fighting Israel as resistance heroes.

A Turkish security source said 15 Palestinian prisoners were due to arrive via Egypt but gave no more details.

The first phase of the ceasefire has led to Hamas’ release of 18 hostages and Israel’s release of 583 jailed Palestinians, of whom at least 79 were sent to Egypt. As well as those going to Turkiye, some may go to Algeria or Qatar, Hamas sources say.