They were then transferred to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and taken to Israel. The men, who had been held captive in Gaza for more than 16 months, were exchanged for 183 Palestinian prisoners in the fifth round of releases under the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The hostages, who were made to give public speeches thanking the Hamas who had held them captive, looked frail and gaunt, sparking dismay and outrage Israel.