Hamas released six hostages from Gaza on Saturday, handing over in two public ceremonies and one private transfer the final living captives in this phase whom the warring sides agreed would be freed when a ceasefire began last month.

The hostages are the last living hostages to be freed in the first phase of a fragile deal with Israel, adding to pressure for both sides to start negotiations to permanently end the war.

Israel accused Hamas of subjecting its hostages to humiliation, while Hamas said the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners is a violation of the ceasefire deal.