The handover of four female Israeli soldiers by Hamas on Saturday came as Israel released 200 prisoners. But a dispute arose over the hostage release timetable.

The hostages are the second set to be released since the multiphase agreement came into effect, raising hopes for a lasting end to the war.

Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City, parading them publicly before their transfer, as part of a ceasefire agreement.

Palestinians began arriving back in Gaza City early Monday, as Israeli forces opened checkpoints and allowed people back into northern areas that had been closed off since the early days of Israel’s war against Hamas.

Palestinians began returning to the north of the war-battered Gaza Strip on Monday after Israel and Hamas said they had reached a deal for the release of another six hostages.

Israel said Palestinians could begin returning to the north of the war-battered Gaza Strip on Monday after a deal was reached with Hamas for the release of another six hostages, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.