Freeing of detainees, including top terrorists, goes ahead after Israel says mediators guarantee future 'safe passage' of hostages; Witkoff 'hopeful' deal's next stages will go ahead

Three Israelis and five Thai nationals were freed earlier in what PM Benjamin Netanyahu called "shocking scenes".

Israel resumed the release of Palestinian prisoners following a delay Netanyahu ordered, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their release.

The Israeli leader pointed to the last-minute treatment of the seven hostages as ‘yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty’ of Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay in the planned release of terrorists, seeking assurance regarding the release of hostages, but the prime minister's office later indicated that the demand had been satisfied.