They include four children and a number of elderly women. Their handover coincides with the release of 39 prisoners by Israel after a deal between the two sides was reached.

The names of the released Israeli hostages, who were among some 240 people kidnapped during the deadly 7 October attack, are so far:

Adina Moshe, 72

She was kidnapped on October 7 from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, after Hamas militants killed her husband Sa'id Moshe.

She has four children - Maya, Yael, Sasson, and Amos - and a number of grandchildren.

Her hobbies include cooking, growing plants and reading books.

Margalit Berta Mozes, 78

A cancer survivor, she has diabetes and fibromyalgia, and takes additional medications for blood pressure and thyroid.

She is said to be a sworn nature lover, especially of birds. She loves to hike, despite her poor health.

Last summer she went on sailing trip in northern Norway. This winter, she plans to travel to Mozambique. Margalit's hobbies include knitting, and she is said to "constantly" knit vests and sweaters for her grandchildren.

Danielle Aloni and her five-year-old daughter Emilia

The pair were kidnapped in Nir Oz during while visiting Danielle's sister Sharon Aloni-Cunio - who was also kidnapped along with her three-year-old twins Emma and Yuli, and their father David Cunio.

On October 7 at 11am Danielle sent a "last message" to her family which said there were terrorists in the house and she was afraid that they would not survive it.

Ruthy Munder, 78, Keren Munder, 54, and nine-year-old Ohad Munder

Ohad was kidnapped along with his mother, Keren, while they were visiting his grandmother Ruthy, who was also seized. He turned nine while in captivity.

His mother is a teacher and children's volleyball coach. Mrs Munder senior's hobbies are said to include knitting, painting and sewing.

Doron Katz Asher, 34, and her daughters Aviv, two, and Raz Katz Asher, four

The trio were kidnapped during a visit to relatives, including the girls' grandmother. Ms Katz Asher works as an accountant.

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