Three Israeli hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza by Palestinian militants on Saturday, in the sixth exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal that came into effect last month.

Buses carrying some of the hundreds of Palestinian freed prisoners and detainees, some flashing victory signs as they hung from the windows.

Israel has released 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in the latest exchange for Israeli hostages captured by Hamas, as the fragile ceasefire held after a standoff over aid deliveries.