Israel says 12 more hostages freed by Hamas have arrived in Egypt

The latest swap of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel got under way on Tuesday evening

Palestinians walk by a destroyed building in Jebaliya refugee camp, Gaza Strip (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

A fragile truce between Israel and Hamas held for a fifth day on Tuesday, as the militant group released more hostages to delay the expected resumption of the war.

Israel came under pressure from the United States to better protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza if its offensive resumes.