Hostages Released by Hamas Are In Red Cross Custody In Egypt

Israeli security forces stand next to buses waiting at the helipad of Tel Aviv's Schneider medical centre ahead of the release of Israeli hostages. (Credit: AFP)

Hamas said a group of hostages seized in the deadliest attack in Israel's history were handed over on Friday as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting.

"Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed to the Red Cross who will take them to the Egyptians" at the Rafah crossing, a source close to Hamas told AFP.