The return of fighters to Gaza streets highlights how Israeli bombardment has failed to achieve Netanyahu’s goal or eradicating Hamas as a political force.

The fragility of the truce between Israel and Hamas was laid bare on Saturday, after Israel accused Hamas of withholding a hostage, prompting a halt in the movement of Gazan civilians back to their homes in the north.

Israeli hostages Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa were released by Hamas on Saturday, and transferred to Red Cross vans in Gaza City.

Relatives of hostages have called on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure all remaining captives are freed.

Israel says it has killed thousands of the armed group’s members and destroyed much of its infrastructure, but since the cease-fire started Hamas has shown it still holds power in the enclave.

Israel and Hamas have initiated the first of several hostage and prisoner exchanges that will take place as part of a ceasefire deal.

Hamas militants have handed over four captive female Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City after parading them in front of a crowd.

The group is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel.

As the first phase of the ceasefire agreement is being finalised in Doha, Qatar, by the mediators, it is likely Hamas that Hamas will release the 33 hostages who were taken from Israel during the October 7,

Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, 120 of them serving life sentences, from its jails as part of a ceasefire deal. They ranged in age from 16 to 67. Some were set free into an exuberant West Bank, while those whose offenses were considered too serious were transferred to Egypt.

The handover of four female Israeli soldiers by Hamas on Saturday came as Israel released 200 prisoners. But a dispute arose over the hostage release timetable.