Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire deal

Israeli authorities released 90 Palestinian prisoners early on Monday morning as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, hours after three Israeli captives were freed from the enclave.

Buses left Israel's Ofer prison in the early hours of the morning, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. 

Israeli security forces and representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) carried out medical and identity checks, before releasing them in coordination with the Israeli government. 

Among those freed were 78 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, who were transported to the Beitunia checkpoint near Ofer prison. 

Twelve Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem were also transported back to the city, where they were released to their homes after being briefly held at the Russian Compound detention centre. 

Read more: Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire deal