Israel’s military says it won’t complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday as outlined in its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah militants.

Those released during exchange for hostages include 121 serving life sentences for terror attacks that killed dozens; 70 of the released are exiled to Egypt The post Crowds in Ramallah celebrate as Israel frees 200 Palestinian prisoners appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Hamas freed four female Israeli hostages on Saturday, in the second round of a deal between Israel and Hamas which also saw about 200 Palestinian prisoners released.

The sudden expansion of Israeli security operations in the West Bank has killed at least 10 people and follows the start of the delicate ceasefire process in Gaza, by which Israeli hostages are released in stages and will also see the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Israel's prison service confirmed on Saturday that it had released 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal, which earlier saw Hamas free four Israeli hostages. "After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities,

Israel’s defense minister has announced a series of raids that he says are targeting “terrorism” in the occupied West Bank, as Palestinian officials warned of a “man-made disaster.”

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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 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel include 120 who were serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis. Around 70 were released into Egypt after being banned from returning to Israeli or Palestinian territory. (AP video by Mohammad Jahjouh)

Palestinians chanted praise of Hamas on Saturday as they welcomed prisoners freed under a ceasefire deal between the militant group and Israel.

As Palestinian prisoners poured off coaches, the air was punched and cheers rang out. Many seemed exhausted and haggard after long years in prison.