Female hostages held in Gaza freed by Hamas, handed to Red Cross

VANGUARD

Four female Israeli hostages held in Gaza have been handed to the Red Cross by Hamas.

Hamas gunmen and crowds gathered in Palestine Square in Gaza City ahead of the release.

All four hostages are Israeli soldiers. This is the second group of hostages freed by Hamas since a ceasefire was agreed. It is in exchange for as many as 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Hamas is expected to provide more information about the remaining 26 hostages due to be released in the coming weeks.