Two Israeli hostages held captive for over ten years have been released by Hamas under the first phase of a fragile ceasefire with Israel.

Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held hostage since 2014 and 2015, were handed over to International Red Cross officials in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Mr Mengistu and Mr al-Sayed will now make their way across the border into Israel. They are two of six Israeli hostages set to be released on Saturday.


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Live: Friends and family of Israeli hostage gather to watch release