War is paused while 24 hostages are freed

A woman after being freed by Hamas. Left, an anxious wait as people in Tel Aviv watch the release

- Jason Burke

The first group of hostages walked free from Gaza yesterday after a day of high tension, immediate relief but deep concerns for the future following weeks of relentless violence in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Twenty-four hostages were released by Hamas - 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and a Philippine national - as part of a deal that has brought about a temporary pause in hostilities and includes the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

There was celebration in Israel and a day of relative calm in Gaza, where thousands have been killed, but though the deal has raised hopes of a more durable ceasefire, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed it will not end the campaign to destroy Hamas.

The 13 Israelis had reached Israel by early evening, according to Israeli officials and the International Committees of the Red Cross (ICRC). Several were recognised by friends and neighbours from their kibbutz communities. They included very young children whose seven-week ordeal in captivity is finally over after they were abducted during bloody attacks launched in Israel by Hamas last month.

A total of 39 Palestinian prisoners 24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences such as throwing stones - were also released by Israel last night. Some had not seen their families for years.

The four-day ceasefire marks the first break in seven weeks of war in Gaza and offers some relief for the 2.3 million Palestinians who have endured intensive Israeli bombardment, and for families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during the bloody attack that triggered the conflict.