Hamas released 24 hostages, Israel will give in return 39 Palestinian prisoners

Hamas released on Friday afternoon 24 of the hostages taken in Israel. In return, 39 Palestinian prisoners are already expected to be released from Israeli prisons.

Those arrested are accused of a number of crimes, from throwing stones to attempted murder. The deal, brokered by Qatar, includes a four-day pause in fighting.

Red Cross buses have reportedly arrived at Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank, ready to release 24 women and 15 teenage boys aged under 18.

They will be transferred to an Israeli military checkpoint in the West Bank and then allowed to return home, according to Israel's prison service.

Those arrested were chosen from a list of 300 women and minors compiled by Israel.

Less than a quarter of those on the list have been convicted, the vast majority being held in custody awaiting trial. Most of the chosen ones are teenage boys, 40% of them under the age of 18. Among them is also a teenage girl and 32 women. (A2 Televizion)