Hamas has freed three hostages in the southern Gaza Strip and Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners in the fourth round of exchanges during the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas militants released three male hostages being held in the Gaza Strip on Saturday while Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of a ceasefire deal that has halted 15 months of intense fighting in the Palestinian enclave.

News that three high-profile hostages are expected to be released has brought excitement and trepidation to Israel on Friday.

The Israeli organization representing families of hostages in Gaza has celebrated the news that three high-profile men will be released next.

Hamas-led militants have freed three more hostages from the Gaza Strip after more than 15 months in captivity.

As winter deepens, so does the suffering of dozens of hostages in Gaza, and their families are pressing for a ceasefire that will secure their release.

Hundreds of Israelis have sent orange balloons into the air to mark the fifth birthday of one of two children held captive by militants in the Gaza Strip.

Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv to mark the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage held in Gaza.