Israel says Hamas has handed over the first seven hostages to the Red Cross to be released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The remaining Israeli hostages are being released by Hamas after being held in Gaza for more than two years, in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The Red Cross will drive the hostages to Israeli security forces, who will take them into Israel, where they will be reunited with family and flown by helicopter to hospitals.

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Image: Red Cross vehicles and buses in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Pic: AP

Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the transfers at public screenings across the country.

The families and friends of hostages broke out into cheers as Israeli TV channels announced the hostages were

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