Israel says first three hostages to be freed from Gaza are with Red Cross

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza gather in Tel Aviv, Israel (Oded Balilty/AP)

The first three hostages set to be released from Gaza have been transferred to the Red Cross and are on their way towards Israeli forces, the Israeli military announced, hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold.

Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the hostages walking between vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza City, surrounded by a huge crowd, with many people holding up phones and filming.