Hamas frees three hostages, Israel begins releasing Palestinians

GAZA/JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinian militant group Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages on Saturday, whose gaunt appearance shocked Israelis, while Israel began freeing dozens of Palestinians in the latest stage of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza.

Israel is set to release 183 Palestinian detainees in the latest exchange under the first phase of the fragile deal. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments.