Red Cross vehicles transported the freed hostages to a meeting point with Israeli forces, who will escort them out of Gaza. Later Mr Sharabi was seen embracing his mother and sister in pictures published by the Israel Defense Forces.

Hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi were released from Gaza in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners, after more than 16 months in captivity.

Hamas militants have gathered in Deir Al-Balah for the release of three more Israeli hostages -- Eli Sharabi, Or Levi and Ohad Ben Ami.

Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy – all taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel – were handed to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, after 491 days of captivity. The three appeared thin and pale when they were led onto a makeshift stage sparking concerns about the condition of hostages under Hamas captivity.

Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday under a three-week-old cease-fire deal that has become a test of wills between the militant group and Israel. The group freed Or Levy, 34, who was taken from the Nova music festival 16 months ago,