Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners following the return of the last living Israeli hostages from Gaza, as shown in television footage.
The first buses carrying released detainees departed Ofer Prison on Monday in the West Bank near Jerusalem, heading towards Ramallah.
Under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel is expected to free about 1,700 Palestinians detained since 7 October 2023, along with around 250 prisoners, some of whom are serving life sentences.
Moments before departure, Israeli security forces reportedly used tear gas against people gathered near the prison, including journalists.
The Israeli military had earlier warned relatives of those being freed that any public celebrations were strictly prohibited.
Earlier on Monday, Hamas released the last 20 living hostages, who were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The hostages returned to Israel after 738 days in captivity.
The 20 men were among the 251 people abducted by Hamas on 7 October 2023, an attack that left about 1,200 people dead in Israel and sparked the Gaza conflict.
(NAN)